Franco Colapinto Tipped To Shine At Alpine Despite Team Turmoil, Says Williams Boss

Williams team principal James Vowles has expressed his support for team loanee Franco Colapinto, believing the young Argentine driver will thrive despite the current chaos within the Alpine team. Colapinto has replaced Jack Doohan on a rotational deal lasting at least five races, joining Alpine as a reserve driver in January with the understanding that he would gain race experience in 2025.

Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine coincided with the unexpected departure of team boss Oliver Oakes last week, with Flavio Briatore stepping in to fill the role. When asked if he was worried about Colapinto’s potential struggles in the Alpine environment, Vowles told select reporters at the team’s Grobe base on Tuesday, “I think there are two different things. Is it in a turbulent time? Yes, no doubt about it. Will they be supportive to Pierre [Gasly] and Franco?”

He continued, “Yes, I think they will as well because they’re still the elite athletes that are driving for them in order to score the most points you can. So what normally happens even in a turbulent time is you still support your drivers.”

Vowles emphasized the value of the learning experience for Colapinto, stating, “Actually think the learning is invaluable, whether it’s in that team or elsewhere. A, it’s time on track, B, it’s time and difficult environment and if you come out of it you’ll only be stronger as a result and Franco strong.”

The Williams boss expressed his confidence in Colapinto’s abilities, drawing parallels to his impressive performances as Logan Sargeant’s replacement last year. “There’s a reason why we were really happy to do a transaction with Alpine because I really did think it’s his best chance of being in a racing seat either in 25 or we thought more specifically 26. So that’s No. 1. And I’m proud he was part of our academy and that we have a responsibility towards why he’s now on the grid today,” Vowles added.

He further praised Colapinto’s adaptability and speed, saying, “What you saw with us is he got up to speed very quickly. I know he’s immensely quick, so I think irrespective of whatever deadline they’ve sent, they’ve set he’ll do a good job in that period of time.”