Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, who was previously part of the Williams talent academy, has signed a five-year contract with the Alpine team. From 2025, Colapinto will assume the role of reserve driver for the French team, marking an important milestone in his promising career towards Formula 1.

Last Thursday, January 6, it was confirmed that Franco Colapinto will continue to be linked to Formula 1, although this time as part of the Alpine team. The Argentine driver will assume the role of reserve driver, collaborating closely with the French team.

In his new position, Colapinto will have a key role in carrying out tests in simulators, supporting the development of configurations and contributing to the technical advancement of the team.

On the other hand, María Catarineu,  Franco Colapinto´s manager, offered an interview to the Argentine media "Corazón de F1" where she revealed some details about the driver's contract with the Alpine team and spoke about the current situation of the young Argentine talent in Formula 1. 

Catarineu explained that the contract signed by Franco Colapinto with Alpine has a duration of five years. He also revealed that this agreement is the result of a collaboration between Alpine and Williams, established under a loan scheme. This means that, once the deadline expires, Colapinto will return to the British team, where, according to Catarineu, it is very likely that he will be considered as the main driver of the Williams team.

Another point addressed by Catarineu was that, although Colapinto arrives at Alpine as a reserve driver, he will not be able to participate in the free practice sessions with the team. These sessions, which are mandatory for all teams, are reserved for novice drivers. Having competed in more than three races in Formula 1, Colapinto is no longer considered a rookie driver. For this reason, Alpine will choose to use Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa, its other reserve drivers, to meet this regulatory requirement.

The interview concluded with María Catarineu revealing that Franco Colapinto had been a strong choice to become Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull. However, the Austrian team's management chose to prioritize the drivers from its academy.

Furthermore, Catarineu highlighted that Alpine, under the direction of Flavio Briatore, showed great interest in Colapinto since the Monza Grand Prix. However, negotiations were delayed due to Williams' caution. Despite this, the French team managed to finalize the agreement with the British team, consolidating the future of the Argentine driver in Formula 1.