In a surprising twist, Briatore and Ecclestone are crafting a scenario to replace Doohan with rising star Colapinto in 2025.
Bernie Ecclestone continues to wield his influence behind the scenes and admits it is “possible” that Jack Doohan’s confirmed entry onto the Formula 1 grid for 2025 could be canceled.
Since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams mid-season, rookie Franco Colapinto has astonished the paddock with his driving skills, personality, and commercial appeal to investors.
However, although he is under a long-term contract with the Williams driver program, he has no seat for 2025 due to the arrival of Carlos Sainz.
Red Bull has shown interest in the 21-year-old, but Williams team principal James Vowles would demand a $20 million release fee—a sum the energy drink company has declined.
Colapinto’s management, however, asserts there are other options.
“Everyone knows there are many teams that want to see Franco in Formula 1 next year,” said Maria Catarineu.
When asked about the likelihood of securing a seat in 2025, Catarineu replied, “On a scale of one to ten? Twenty.”
“So many people want this to happen, so it’s only natural that it does. Clearly, many scenarios are being developed.”
One of these scenarios involves Flavio Briatore, the new executive advisor at Alpine F1, along with his longtime friend and business partner, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
Ecclestone, 94, admitted Briatore called him a few days ago to reveal he wanted to place Colapinto in an Alpine seat for 2025! The $20 million release fee would pose “no issue” for Briatore, who has numerous business contacts in South America thanks to… Ecclestone.
This would all be in spite of Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan already being signed. The Frenchman is not at risk. Sources indicate that the Australian’s 2025 contract is only guaranteed for the first five races of next season.
And Ecclestone believes even that deal could be broken.
“In Formula 1, everything is possible. Until the money is in the bank.”
Ecclestone also reveals he is partly the reason Sebastian Vettel abandoned his plans for a potential F1 comeback.
“I had to dissuade him from his comeback dreams. Why should a four-time world champion put himself through that?”
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Colapinto’s F1 Future? Briatore and Ecclestone Plot Shake-Up Colapinto’s F1 Future? Briatore and Ecclestone Plot Shake-Up. f1 2024 Colapinto’s F1 Future? Briatore and Ecclestone Plot Shake-Up
