In a significant announcement, Alpine F1 Team has revealed that Franco Colapinto will take on the role of Test and Reserve driver for the upcoming 2025 season. This new appointment for Colapinto follows a noteworthy stint in Formula 2 and his recent transition into Formula 1.
Colapinto made an impact in the 2024 Formula 2 season, competing in ten rounds with MP Motorsport. His season was highlighted by three podium finishes, including a standout victory during the Imola Sprint Race. These successes set the stage for his elevation to Formula 1, where he joined Williams Racing for the final nine races of the 2024 season.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” said Colapinto. His enthusiasm reflects the significance of this new chapter in his career. He expressed gratitude towards Williams for their support and emphasized their role in realizing his dream of competing in Formula 1. “First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my dream of racing in Formula 1 into reality, and I will always be grateful for that.”
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Colapinto's transition to Alpine symbolizes a new opportunity, and he was quick to acknowledge the pivotal figures in his new team. “A huge thank you to Luca (de Meo), Flavio (Briatore) and Oliver (Oakes) for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us,” he added.
Alpine's Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore praised Colapinto's talent, noting the surprise his remarkable performances brought to many in the motorsport community, including himself. “We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Clearly Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now,” Briatore stated.
Reflecting on Colapinto's rookie experience in Formula 1, Briatore remarked, “It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise, and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver.” This sentiment speaks volumes about Colapinto's potential and the confidence Alpine has in him.
The signing of Colapinto aligns with Alpine's long-term vision and is indicative of their commitment to young talent in the sport. Briatore further emphasized, “We have an eye on our future, and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”
As Colapinto gears up for the 2025 season, he also took a moment to express gratitude to his sponsors and partners who supported him through the challenges of his previous season. “Your support made it all possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me. Let’s aim for even greater things in 2025 and beyond,” he concluded.
Looking ahead, Franco Colapinto's new position with Alpine signifies a promising direction for both the driver and the team. As he steps into this Test and Reserve role, the racing world will be watching closely to see how he develops and contributes to Alpine's aspirations in Formula 1. His journey undoubtedly exemplifies the vibrant future of motorsport, ensuring that an exciting era lies ahead for both him and the Alpine F1 Team.