Christian Horner issues ‘definitely’ verdict on Franco Colapinto as Red Bull target Williams driver

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Christian Horner has issued his honest verdict on Franco Colapinto as Red Bull try to sign the Williams star for Visa Cash App RB with the Argentine without a 2025 drive.

The 21-year-old has been one of the surprises of the 2024 season since making a shock rise to race in the pinnacle of motorsport. Colapinto was set to spend the year in Formula 2 after getting his full debut in the feeder series in 2024, on the back of two seasons on the F3 grid.

Colapinto was not even likely to race in Formula 1 in 2025 after Williams signed Ferrari exile Carlos Sainz to join Alex Albon on multi-year contracts. But team principal James Vowles put his faith in the Argentine when Williams dropped Logan Sargeant after the Dutch Grand Prix.

Christian Horner admits Red Bull are ‘of course’ looking at Franco Colapinto for Visa Cash App RB

Promoting Williams Academy star Colapinto to replace Sargeant from the 2024 Italian Grand Prix has been a stroke of genius by Vowles. Despite only winning one Sprint Race in F2 in 20 races this year, Colapinto has two top-10 Grand Prix results and five points after four rounds.

So, with Williams locked up until at least 2027 with Albon and Sainz, Red Bull are trying their luck at signing Colapinto to join Visa Cash App RB in 2025. Yuki Tsunoda is currently the sole RB driver under contract for 2025, while Liam Lawson could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to stats

Reports also claim Red Bull have offered Williams £15.5m for Colapinto to join RB in 2025 as the team stays on top of the Formula 1 driver market. Red Bull team boss Horner believes it is only right that they see if Colapinto is available with the Williams talent a star in the making.

“Franco is a kid that’s doing really, really well,” Horner told Sky Sports F1 (02/11, 18:47). “Of course, you’re always keeping an eye on the driver market and Franco definitely, I think, has the qualities to be a potential star of the future.”

Franco Colapinto likely needs to leave Williams to race in Formula 1 before 2027

Colapinto is reluctant to get his hopes up for staying on the Formula 1 grid in 2025 given the imminent arrival of Sainz at Williams. Instead, the Argentine is facing a year on the sidelines as the Grove crew’s reserve driver unless Vowles accepts Horner’s offer to release Colapinto.

READ MORE: F1 2025 driver line-up with every team’s confirmed entry for the grid

Vowles has the keys to Colapinto’s future in Formula 1 with him under contract to Williams, who are not under any financial pressure. With fireworks also expected between Sainz and Albon as Williams teammates in 2025, Vowles will be reluctant to lose control of Colapinto.

A loan move that sees Colapinto race for Visa Cash App RB in 2025 is also likely off the table as it would not benefit Red Bull to develop the Argentine if he is under contract to Williams. Instead, if Perez gets the axe and Lawson joins Red Bull, RB will likely welcome Isack Hadjar.