Franco Colapinto prepared to leave Williams for 2025 if one team makes ‘surprise’ offer

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Franco Colapinto was racing in Formula 2 two months ago with little prospect of an F1 career. Part of the Williams driver academy, he was performing well in the series, but his name was hardly mentioned in a frantic driver market.

Colapinto ranked sixth in the championship following his final appearance at Spa in July. He’d taken one victory (the Imola Sprint) and three podiums overall.

James Vowles was ‘taken aback’ by Colapinto at Silverstone, where he made his first FP1 appearance. But even when Logan Sargeant lost his seat, Vowles pursued Red Bull’s Liam Lawson rather than promoting his academy driver.

It was fortunate for Colapinto that Williams couldn’t reach an agreement with Red Bull. Christian Horner insisted on the right to recall Lawson before the end of the season.

If Vowles had known what Colapinto could do in a full F1 weekend, he wouldn’t have hesitated. The Argentine has already scored four points and came within seven-thousandths of outqualifying Alex Albon in Singapore.

The problem is that Williams have already finalised their line-up for 2025. Albon, who signed a contract extension earlier this year, will partner marquee addition Carlos Sainz.

Franco Colapinto wouldn’t say ‘no’ to Red Bull driver programme

Colapinto has been linked with Sauber, who have a vacancy next to Nico Hulkenberg. However, ahead of their 2026 takeover, Audi may be reluctant to sign a driver whose future is controlled by another team.

But they aren’t Colapinto’s only hope of making it onto the 2025 grid. According to ESPN Deportes, it’s not ‘far-fetched’ that Red Bull make a move.

If Lawson impresses in the next six races and earns a promotion, or struggles and misses out on a seat, there will be a vacancy at RB. Colapinto is ‘unlikely to say no’ if that opportunity emerges.

It’s ‘surprising’ that Helmut Marko and Horner have publicly expressed admiration for a midfield newcomer. But a move that nobody would have envisaged at the start of the year is now a possibility, even if it would require a hefty fee.

What has Christian Horner said about Franco Colapinto?

Colapinto should still be seen as an outsider. But if he can continue to produce the levels he’s shown in Azerbaijan and Singapore, or get even better with experience, he’ll be difficult to ignore.

Red Bull would have to pay Williams a ‘load of money’ for the 21-year-old, and Vowles will be reluctant to let him go. Sainz negotiated an exit clause for 2027, which could present an opportunity to hire Colapinto full-time.

But the youngster is unlikely to be content spending two years on the sidelines, especially if he isn’t guaranteed a seat. Williams will draw up an extensive testing plan if he’s their reserve next year.

Horner has called Colapinto an ‘exceptional’ talent, while F1TV’s Lawrence Barretto says Marko won’t want to ‘miss out’. While he may be the standout candidate given his exploits in F2, Red Bull aren’t sure about Isack Hadjar, which could boost his chances further.