Alpine continues to chase Williams driver Colapinto: 'There is always hope'
F1 News
- Ludo van Denderen
Jack Doohan is making his debut a lot earlier as he is replacing Esteban Ocon in Abu Dhabi. For Alpine, the race in the United Arab Emirates is a great time to see how the 21-year-old compares to the competition. Doohan's first qualifying session did not go as hoped, with him set to start the race 17th. Thus, rekindling rumours of Doohan being replaced by Franco Colapinto (Williams).
It is no secret that Flavio Briatore, Renault Group's Luca de Meo's executive adviser, has expressed interest in Colapinto. He is due to sit on the reserve bench at Williams next season. If the French team wants to sign him, it would be at the expense of Doohan, who has only just been committed for 2025.
Rumours between Alpine and Colapinto flare up again
Interest was said to have died down somewhat after a few crashes on Colapinto's side, but now rumours of interest from Alpine have resurfaced. The Argentine himself says about this, to, among others GPblog: "Well, there is always a hope, and I will do my best to be [on the grid]".
"I think I deserve an opportunity to have a full season and to be able to learn with the team from the beginning of the year. But look, it is what it is. Let's see what happens in the winter. And yes, I'm going to be still ready and prepared," Colapinto said.
Red Bull was also interested in Colapinto for a long time. Meanwhile, the chances of the Argentine transferring to the Austrians seem to have diminished significantly. Helmut Marko, in charge of driver choices at Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App RB, has hinted that Colapinto is now not high on the list.
This article was translated by Savannah Lenz.