Franco Colapinto is now Alpine’s test and reserve driver (Image: Getty)
produced an ominous statement after was confirmed as ’s new test and reserve driver for the 2025 season. The boss described the agreement as the 21-year-old’s ‘best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026’.
Colapinto burst onto the scene with two point-scoring finishes in his first four Grands Prix in 2024. These showings were enough to see him linked to , and Sauber, but nothing concrete materialised, and the Argentinian sensation failed to secure a full-time drive for 2025.
However, Colapinto now has a new pathway to F1. Previously, his prospects at Williams looked unclear with and tied to long-term deals, but following a vertical move to Alpine, the Pilar-born racer has a clear route onto the grid.
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Unfortunately for Jack Doohan, that may come at the expense of his F1 dream. The Australian made his debut in Abu Dhabi ahead of a rookie campaign alongside , but executive advisor Flavio Briatore’s head has been turned by Colapinto. The team’s incumbent recruit reportedly has just six races to prove his worth.
Doohan’s plight was made clear by Vowles’ words after the announcement. He said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025.
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Jack Doohan is facing an uphill battle in 2025 (Image: Getty)
“Over nine memorable races with Williams, he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula One and we always said we would support him to get one. Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in and , so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.
“The Williams Racing Driver Academy exists to discover and develop the F1 stars of the future, which is exactly what it has done in Franco’s case, and builds on our long tradition of giving talented young drivers their break at the top level of motorsport.
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“We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track.”
Colapinto joins a stacked stable of young Alpine drivers angling for a shot at F1. Paul Aron was signed as a test and reserve driver after impressing with Hitech GP in Formula Two, while Victor Martins and Gabriele Mini are also exciting prospects in the team’s ranks.