Williams confirms Argentine driver Franco Colapinto's return deal

Dominika Jordan
Feb 14, 2025, 12:14 PM ET

Williams Racing confirms Argentine driver Franco Colapinto's future return to the team.

In a significant move for Williams Racing, team principal James Vowles has confirmed that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, who recently signed a reserve driver role with Alpine, is set to return to Williams in the future.

Colapinto, who made his mark with points finishes in Azerbaijan and the U.S. last season, initially joined Williams as a replacement for Logan Sargeant starting from the Italian Grand Prix. Despite his impressive performances, Williams could not secure a race seat for him due to the pre-existing contracts with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, who are confirmed as race drivers for the next two years.

Due to this predicament, Vowles facilitated Colapinto’s move to Alpine on a "multi-year" agreement, aiming to allow the talented driver to gain more race experience before making his return to Williams.

"There's a period of time whereby I hope he is racing for Alpine," Vowles announced during the launch of Williams' 2025 car. "The best chance he has is with Alpine, as far as [getting on the grid], that's why he's there. And I don't mean that to the detriment of Jack [Doohan]. I hope Jack has a successful time.

"But ultimately, Franco is my driver that I want back in that car. After a period of time, he'll return to Williams. That period of time is not a line set in stone where I can look you in the eye and say it. But I can say he'll be back to Williams at some point."

Vowles clarified that while Colapinto is currently under Alpine's banner, his eventual return to Williams remains a strategic priority for the team.

"He is with Alpine and he's an Alpine driver for a number of years. Their choice, fundamentally, will determine what they want to choose from that. After that point, I hope he comes back to Williams and we'll see where we end up."

Carlos Sainz, who joins Williams this year following a four-season stint with Ferrari, has already begun making an impact. Sainz debuted the FW47 in a promotional event at Silverstone and provided immediate feedback.

"Carlos, when he tested in Abu Dhabi, gave us very instantaneous, correct feedback on all the areas we have to improve on," Vowles added. "The good news is it's aligned with ours, and even more good news is there are areas where we have active mechanisms in place to rectify.

"What he has done this morning is, again, he knows what excellence looks like. He was in race-winning categories last year, in a car that was a benchmark for the whole of the year, so he brings that with him. But what he's very good and able to do is digest that in a way that is clear and simple, so we don't get lost, and it's directed."

With such strategic moves and experienced feedback from drivers like Sainz, Williams Racing is poised for a promising future as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their team dynamics.