Williams crew principal James Vowles has revealed Franco Colapinto is simply on mortgage to Alpine, explaining that he needed to make sure the Argentine had an opportunity to race, however that he expects him to return to Williams.
Colapinto (pictured above, with Vowles) was named as one of many Alpine reserve drivers on a multi-year deal in January, after he misplaced his Williams race seat because of Carlos Sainz’s pre-agreed arrival for 2025. On the time, Vowles had mentioned the transfer was permitted as a result of it represented Colapinto’s finest probability of being on the grid this yr, however he has now confirmed the plan consists of his eventual return to Williams.
“I’m attempting to suppose how Alpine described it — that’s the necessary half,” Vowles mentioned. “The primary factor is that this: What was already described right here, he’s with Alpine and he’s an Alpine driver for quite a few years; their alternative [how he’s used], essentially inside a spread of what they wish to select from that. After that time, I hope he comes again to Williams. Let’s see the place we find yourself.”
Pushed on the state of affairs, Vowles confirmed he was eager to see Colapinto racing rather than Jack Doohan at some stage this season, as a way to acquire additional expertise.
“There’s a time period the place I hope he’s racing for Alpine. The explanation why we did that is that I needed him to be racing in ’25 and/or ’26. It’s the most effective probability he has, is with Alpine — that’s why he’s there. And I don’t imply that to the detriment of Jack.
“I hope Jack has a profitable time. However finally, Franco is my driver that I need again in that automotive. After a time period, he’ll return to Williams. That time period is just not a line set in stone the place I can look you within the eye and say it. However I can say he’ll be again to Williams sooner or later.”
Colapinto took half in 9 races for Williams final season and scored 5 factors, having changed Logan Sargeant from the Italian Grand Prix till the top of the yr. Each Sainz and Alex Albon have offers in place for each 2025 and ’26 because the Williams race drivers, carrying over into the brand new period of vehicles subsequent yr.
