Williams Racing enters into agreement with Alpine for Franco Colapinto

Williams Racing has entered into an agreement with Alpine, with the Enstone-based team securing the services of Franco Colapinto on a multi-year deal.

The 21-year-old Argentine, who stepped up to a race seat with Williams for the final nine races of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season from the team’s Driver Academy, will take up the role of Test and Reserve Driver at Alpine for the upcoming 2025 season.

On his Grand Prix debut with Williams at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, Franco became the first driver to compete in Formula 1 from his home country in 23 years.

He scored points on just his second outing at the following race in Baku, finishing eighth. He achieved his second points-scoring appearance at the US GP in October.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025," James Vowles shared.

"Over nine memorable races with Williams he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1 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 Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, 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.

"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.”

Franco Colapinto commented: “I want to say a big thanks to Williams Racing and the team partners, who supported me from the moment I joined the Academy and gave me the opportunity of becoming a Formula 1 driver.

"They made my dreams come true and I will always be grateful for that. I’d like to thank the mechanics and all the team members who made a massive effort to put the car on track and give me the opportunity to score points.

"And to the fans, who have been so supportive, you have been there for us in the good times and bad; you are the best.”