Why Alpine’s interest in Williams driver Franco Colapinto for 2025 ‘doesn’t make sense’

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Williams Racing driver Franco Colapinto is a man in demand at a point in the Formula 1 silly season where there only appears to be one available seat left for him.

Franco Colapinto arrived in F1 in a unique position, knowing that he had no way of retaining his position at Willams in 2025.

James Vowles spent months courting Carlos Sainz and finally got his man before promoting Colapinto into Logan Sargeant’s seat.

Alex Albon was already tied down to an extended contract, meaning Colapinto was signed up for a nine-race cameo where he could showcase his talents to the rest of the paddock.

Few expected the Argentinian to hit the ground as quickly as he has and that has unsurprisingly turned some heads.

Red Bull have an interest in Colapinto as Sergio Perez has failed to live up to expectations despite being handed a contract until at least the end of 2025.

The other team interested in Colapinto is Alpine despite the fact they also have two drivers confirmed for next season.

Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan already have contracts for next year, although Doohan’s deal might be much more short-term than anticipated.

Speaking on the Pit Talk Podcast, journalist Mat Coch was trying to explain why the French manufacturer may have an interest in Colapinto.

In the end, he could only come up with one conceivable explanation.

Alpine interested in Franco Colapinto for financial reasons

Talking about the proposed interest in the 21-year-old from Alpine, Coch said: “What doesn’t make sense to me is why Alpine has got any interest [in Colapinto].

“For a couple of reasons, the only way I can rationalise it is that Alpine is interested in the money because Renault is looking to reduce its exposure.

“We’ve seen that by the closure of its power unit facility, saving it A$150-odd million a year.

“You then look at, OK, they’ve got a settled driver line-up, what does it get out of Franco Colapinto by replacing presumably Jack Doohan?

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

“I don’t get it. OK, Franco’s had a few races in F1 to show himself, Jack hasn’t had that opportunity so we’re not comparing apples with apples, that’s an unfair comparison.

“It is an advantage in Franco’s favour because he’s had that opportunity but it’s still not like-for-like.

“What does it also say about Alpine’s junior program? What does it say about Alpine’s senior management and it would be if this decision was made, it would be the same management that effectively signed Jack Doohan as it would be sacking him and signing someone else.

“I don’t believe it will.”

Jack Doohan could already be under pressure at Alpine before making his F1 debut

Doohan’s racing career up to this point has been very impressive, but he’s not reached F1 in the same way as George Russell, Charles Leclerc of fellow countryman Oscar Piastri who dominated the junior ranks.

The 21-year-old finished 2nd in the F3 Asian Championship and his second campaign in Formula 3.

The Australian finished 6th in his maiden F2 campaign before finishing behind Theo Pouchaire and Frederik Vesti last season.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Doohan has been praised for his simulator work and was the most logical option for Alpine when decided to promote from within to replace Esteban Ocon.

However, when there are only 20 seats on the grid, being very good but not outstanding immediately puts pressure on a driver when someone like Colapinto might be sitting on the sidelines.

Alpine have asked Gasly to assess Doohan’s performances in testing to get a better understanding of what level he’s at.

While Doohan is in the hot seat right now, Colapinto has three more F1 race weekends to convince Alpine to make a very uncomfortable decision.