Colapinto Secures Long Alpine F1 Contract Amid Speculation

Franco Colapinto’s extended Alpine F1 contract sparks questions about a potential return to Williams, raising doubts over future opportunities.

Franco Colapinto’s manager has disclosed the duration of his contract with Alpine F1, and it is notably extensive. Maria Catarineu, commercial director of Bullet Sports Management, shared details about how the negotiations with Flavio Briatore unfolded.

“It took a lot of time because negotiations can sometimes be complex, as they were in this case. But Flavio was always very persistent, and over the past few weeks, he was very intense,” Catarineu explained.

“The deal was concluded because both parties got what they wanted—Flavio managed to sign Franco, and James [Vowles], the Williams team principal, ensured he had the opportunity to race, as Williams’ main drivers have long-term contracts.”

Briatore had been pursuing Colapinto since September: “Briatore has been following Franco since his debut in F1. From the first day we spoke, he said, ‘I’ve seen his talent, and I want him.’ He closely followed all his races and his progression as an F1 driver over the nine Grands Prix he contested.”

Briatore even attempted to take over the management of the Argentine driver, but without success: “It’s best for everyone that Jamie [Campbell-Walter] and I remain in charge of Franco, increasingly on a day-to-day basis. Of course, Flavio will be informed of everything happening. It’s a team effort.”

Catarineu further revealed that Colapinto has a five-year contract with Alpine: “Williams handed Franco to Alpine for five years. I understand that if another team shows interest in Franco during this period, I suppose it would involve negotiations between Alpine and the other team.”

A decision that may seem surprising, given the French team’s chaotic management in recent months. Moreover, its long-term prospects remain unclear, with Hitech potentially set to acquire the team. Fans have also criticized the absence of a full-time race seat for Colapinto in 2025.

“Out of ten messages, only one criticized us, and I know exactly what we’ve done over the years to support Franco. I took the time to read all the messages, one by one. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of opening social media and was exposed to such comments,” she explained.

“But that’s part of the story. It doesn’t matter—I know how much Argentinians love us, and a few individuals won’t change that. Today, Franco feels immense joy, as do we all.”

Colapinto is bound to be a threat, directly or indirectly, to Jack Doohan at Alpine. When asked about her driver’s chances of becoming a full-time driver during the season, his manager avoided a direct answer: “I’m not going to say how I feel.”

“I don’t know if he’ll debut in Australia, Miami, or elsewhere. What I do know is that Franco has shown he can race, and that’s why Alpine signed him.”

“Currently, there are two drivers (Gasly and Doohan) under contract. The decision will be up to the team.”

“What is certain is that Franco cannot participate in Free Practice 1 this year because he is no longer a rookie. He will conduct testing with cars from two seasons ago and must be present at the races.”

When asked if Alpine truly represents a bigger step for Colapinto, she replied: “I won’t pass judgment on whether it’s a better team than Williams, but in recent races, we’ve seen an Alpine team that’s growing and capable of much more. Next year, they’ll have Mercedes engines, and there’s a lot of potential.”