Franco Colapinto's manager has admitted the young Argentine may return to the Formula 1 grid in 2025 as an Alpine driver.
Maria Catarineu, who works alongside Jamie Campbell-Walter in managing Colapinto, revealed to Infobae that Williams loaned the 21-year-old to Alpine for five years under a deal orchestrated by Williams boss James Vowles.
"I understand that if another team is interested in Franco during this period, there would need to be negotiations between Alpine and the other team," Catarineu explained.
Currently, Colapinto is signed as a reserve driver for Alpine, with Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly holding the race seats for 2025. However, Catarineu indicated that Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has ambitious plans for Colapinto.
Reportedly, Briatore agreed to pay up to $20 million to secure Colapinto's services, though Catarineu said, "I don't know if money was put in."
Colapinto's role in 2025 will involve testing cars from two seasons ago and attending races. "Franco cannot do FP1 this year because he is no longer a rookie," Catarineu noted. "He will have to be at the races and take part in testing programs."
When asked if Alpine is a step up from Williams, Catarineu avoided making direct comparisons but said, "In the last few races, we have seen a team that is growing and has a lot of potential. Next year, they will have Mercedes engines, which adds even more promise."
Briatore, known for identifying and nurturing talent like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, played a pivotal role in signing Colapinto. "Flavio was persistent and very intense in the final weeks of negotiations," Catarineu said. "He told us, 'I've seen talent, and I want it.'
"He followed Franco's races closely and was determined to secure him."
The potential impact on Doohan's position at Alpine is already a topic of speculation. After a disappointing debut in Abu Dhabi, where he qualified last, Briatore reportedly commented, "There should have been more from him."
Rumors suggest Doohan's contract guarantees him only the first five races of 2025, leaving the door open for Colapinto.
"I don't know if Franco will debut in Australia, Miami, or another race. What I do know is that Alpine hired him because he proved he can race."
When asked about Colapinto's chances of securing a full-time seat in 2025, Catarineu replied with a smile: "I won't say what I feel."
