Newly signed Alpine F1 reserve driver Franco Colapinto has shown amazing performances with Williams since his mid-season debut at Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
On the back of these performances several teams showed interest in signing the young Argentine, including Red Bull and Alpine F1.
Red Bull interest in Colapinto
In a recent interview with Corazon de F1 Maria Catarineu, a member of Colapinto’s management team, spoke on talks with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Catarineu said that Colapinto was considered for either the Red Bull seat next to Verstappen or the second seat at sister team Racing Bulls. In the end, they decided to look internally as late season crashes hurt his chances.
“Well, Christian [Horner] was interested in Franco—either for Red Bull as Max’s teammate or perhaps for the second Red Bull team.
“Like other teams [since there were several interested], he wanted to understand the situation with Williams and have a conversation with James [Vowles].
“However, the Red Bull route couldn’t materialise for various reasons. First, because Red Bull has a council, and second, they have a very strong academy with drivers all waiting for their chance.”
Red Bull ultimately chose to promote Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Pérez. They filled the Racing Bulls seat with Isack Hadjar.
Negotiations with Alpine
Another team that had shown great interest in Colapinto right from the start was Alpine, particularly executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who never lost interest despite prolonged negotiations.
Catarineu outlined the stress and toll it had as it took a significant amount of time to get an agreement in place.
“Always. He was there from the beginning—well, more or less at the same time as Red Bull. And yes, he said, ‘I want him.’
“The thing is, these matters are very confidential and complex, involving multiple parties: Franco as the driver, his management company, Williams as his team, and the teams expressing interest.
“These negotiations are never resolved in a couple of weeks, but Flavio never lost interest.
“The first step in such processes is signing confidentiality clauses that prohibit sharing details about what’s happening.
“I’ve always understood people’s curiosity and their eagerness to know, but we are bound by contracts.
“I wish we could talk about it, but we can’t—neither us nor anyone else in Formula 1.
“Williams wanted to protect their interests, as well as Franco’s. Flavio, too, wanted to ensure Franco’s best interests were prioritised.
“We found ourselves in the middle, trying to find the best possible outcome for Franco and his future.
“There were about two weeks when I didn’t leave the apartment—I couldn’t even breathe.
“We started and ended each day with countless phone calls, trying to make the best of an uncertain situation.”
Signing the Alpine contract on Christmas Eve
Following months of negotiations Colapinto signed a five-year contract as Alpine F1 reserve driver right before Christmas.
Williams’ team principal James Vowles, who took part in the negotiations, delivered the news to Colapinto.
“On December 24th, in the afternoon, just before dinner. James [Vowles], who led the negotiations for Williams, communicated the news to Franco and to us. Later, Alpine did the same.”
Catarineu was full of praise for Flavio Briatore, who has a long and illustrious history with the sport.
“Flavio knows more than anyone else. He’s incredibly sharp, straightforward, and knows exactly what he wants.
“Working with him is a pleasure. It’s a positive experience for Franco, and there’s so much we can learn from him.”
With Briatore also known to manage drivers, such as Fernando Alonso, and his keen interest in Colapinto questions were raised about the Argentine’s management going forward.
Catarineu however states that no change in management is on the horizon.
“The contract doesn’t mention anything about that. Franco’s management company remains Bullet [specifically, María Catarineu and Jamie Campbell-Walter], and we’re continuing to work the same way. There’s no change expected in this regard.
“James [Vowles] saw what Franco demonstrated during his Formula 1 races and personally committed to helping him maximize his chances of securing a Formula 1 seat.
“He believed Alpine offered Franco a closer path to a seat than Williams and agreed to a five-year loan.”
A happy Franco Colapinto
After all the uncertainty regarding Colapinto’s future in F1, the 21-year-old is now “incredibly happy” to have found a seat at Alpine F1.
“He’s super, super happy. Just think—only a few months ago, we weren’t even sure if he’d ever make it to Formula 1.
“Then came the opportunity with Williams, and he had nine races. But uncertainty crept in again when he realised there wasn’t a seat available at Williams.
“He was anxious, thinking, ‘What’s going to happen to me?’ Now, though, he’s incredibly happy.”
Colapinto’s future at Alpine
Alpine will be heading into the 2025 season with three reserve drivers including Colapinto. It begs the question how the team with manage this in terms of opportunities with these drivers.
“I don’t know much about that. All we know is what Alpine wants from Franco in the short term.
“How things will unfold is up to Alpine, and we’re not involved in those decisions.”
With Alpine rookie driver Jack Doohan under the pump, Colapinto will be the first in line to fill the seat in case the Queenslander does not perform.
“I haven’t seen Doohan’s contract, so I can’t comment on that. Alpine is making its decisions, likely adding drivers to its team portfolio.
“I imagine they’ll clarify their plans next year or in the coming months. For now, we’re focused on Franco’s role as a reserve driver.”
Co-Author: Fernanda Álvarez
