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Colapinto's manager reveals details behind his Alpine contract
- Ludo van Denderen
Alpine managed to sign Franco Colapinto from Williams last week. The Argentinian signed a contract as a test and reserve driver with the French team. Perhaps the youngster could even be promoted in the foreseeable future and replace Jack Doohan as a driver. Colapinto's manager revealed some details of the deal in a conversation with Infobae.
According to María Catarineu, it has been agreed with Williams that Colapinto will be 'loaned' to Alpine for the duration of five seasons. The British racing stable, which has Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz in its two F1 cars for the coming years, could see Colapinto return to Williams after that period, 'but a lot can happen in five years'.
Incidentally, for the next five years, the rights over Colapinto do lie with Alpine, the interview reveals. Indeed, if another team is interested in the Argentine, they will have to turn to Alpine - and not Williams. The transfer fee allegedly paid by Alpine is also briefly discussed. All sorts of sums are going around, but the manager wonders if anything at all will be paid to Williams.
This is what Colapinto's season looks like
Franco Colapinto is Alpine's reserve (for now, that is). The Argentine cannot take part in an FP1 in 2025 as a rookie, as he already has too many Grands Prix to his name. He will, however, be present at all races, according to his manager. He will also regularly test with older F1 cars. She says nothing about a possible replacement for Doohan, should the Australian not perform well enough in the eyes of Alpine's management.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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