Franco Colapinto Joins Alpine as Reserve Driver for 2025 F1 Season
In a strategic move that could reshape the dynamics within the Alpine Formula 1 team, Argentine racer Franco Colapinto has been officially announced as their reserve driver for the 2025 season. This development was confirmed by the team on Thursday and has stirred significant anticipation within the motorsport community.
Colapinto, whose rise to prominence in Formula 1 has been closely watched, steps into a pivotal role. He will be ready to step in for Alpine's main drivers, Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, should the need arise, while also taking on responsibilities in testing. The decision to bring in Colapinto follows his notable tenure at Williams, where he earned acclaim after replacing Logan Sergeant midway through the 2024 season. His stint there was marked by a series of commendable performances that caught the attention of top teams like Alpine and Red Bull—though interest from the latter waned post his crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas.
The inclusion of Colapinto in Alpine's lineup adds additional pressure on Doohan, a graduate of the team’s driver academy and son of legendary motorcycle racer Mick Doohan. Despite Alpine's assurances that Colapinto's signing does not directly threaten the current driver lineup, there is speculation, particularly out of Argentina, pointing to potential future shifts.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” Colapinto stated, expressing gratitude towards Williams for their support throughout his career journey. “Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honor.”
Alpine’s keen interest in Colapinto saw them negotiate a buyout to release him from his contract with Williams, who move forward with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon for their upcoming campaign. Moreover, Franco's presence in Alpine is likely to draw comparisons with last year's narrative involving Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, heightening intrigue as the season progresses.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloFlavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor, praised Colapinto, saying, "Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver."
In a day of announcements for Alpine, they also revealed the addition of Ryo Hirakawa from Japan as a reserve and test driver. Hirakawa, who brings experience as a former McLaren development driver and a competitor in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota, is set to participate in the first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4. Alongside Hirakawa, Paul Aron, who shone in Formula 2, completes Alpine’s reserve roster, underscoring their commitment to building a deep pool of future talent.
