Not one, not two, but four F1 teams tried to snatch Franco Colapinto from Williams.
A success that few would have predicted at the start of the season, especially considering his limited commitment to a few races. Yet, those few weekends were enough to show his natural talent, capable of surprising anyone with a direct and no-frills approach to racing and the media. Colapinto is liked for the grit he brings to the track, for his decisive character inside and outside the garage, and for the way in which he has earned a place in a difficult environment, where a rookie without a permanent seat usually struggles to emerge. His meteoric growth has attracted the interest of high-profile teams, leaving Williams in a delicate situation: they would like to keep him, but at the same time they cannot prevent him from growing elsewhere.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls at the forefront
The interest of Red Bull for Colapinto is now clear. The Milton Keynes team, after a troubled season and with Sergio Perez increasingly overshadowed by Max Verstappen, could focus on Colapinto to bring new energy and increase their presence in the South American market. Perez's situation, despite his contract until 2026, is at risk: the Mexican's inconsistent results and internal pressure have not convinced the Red Bull management. Colapinto would represent an opportunity to keep the interest of Latin fans alive, especially considering that Carlos Slim, Perez's historic sponsor, has already shown interest in the young Argentine.
If Colapinto doesn't find a place in the main team, the Racing Bulls option is far from being ruled out. The satellite team could in fact represent a perfect testing ground, allowing Colapinto to grow before a possible promotion. The decision, however, seems complicated: Williams, who has Colapinto under contract until 2027, has no intention of letting him go easily and could demand a significant fee for an early transfer.
Audi and Alpine the alternatives
Audi, making his debut in F1, was looking for a driver capable of bringing not only results but also enthusiasm among the fans: Franco Colapinto, with his explosive debut, would have represented a perfect bet for a team in search of new blood. However, as has now been made official, Sauber has chosen Gabriel Bortoleto from the McLaren nursery for this new adventure. However, there is also Alpine, after a turbulent period, which is keeping an eye on the Argentine with interest, eager to relaunch its image with an emerging talent. The competition is fierce, and every team seems intent on making an offer to grab the young talent.
Colapinto Fever and the Argentine Dream
Colapinto's success has not only attracted the attention of Formula 1 teams, but has also raised the possibility of a Formula 1 return to Argentina. Colapinto's arrival has reignited the passion for motorsport in his home country, to the point that Argentine fans have followed the young driver to all recent events, from Austin to Sao Paulo. The suggestion of a Grand Prix in Argentina is gaining traction, and at Interlagos an Argentine delegation met Stefano Domenicali to explore the possibility.
Colapinto's Future: A Race Against Time
With such a convincing debut, Colapinto’s future in Formula 1 looks bright, but it remains to be seen which team will be able to secure him a seat for next season. Williams has already finalised its 2025 line-up, and his continued presence at the British team seems unlikely without a guaranteed race seat. Will Red Bull be able to make him the new rising star or will Franco have to wait another year before having a permanent seat?
Source: AutoMotorUndSport
