F1: Colapinto will return to Williams eventually, says team principal Vowles

Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will return eventually to Williams after joining Formula One rival Alpine as a reserve, team principal James Vowles said on Friday.

Colapinto, 21, made nine starts with Williams last year after being drafted in as a replacement for dropped American Logan Sargeant.

The first Argentine to race in Formula One since 2001 scored five points for the former champions and was signed by Renault-owned Alpine in January, with Australian Jack Doohan’s seat potentially at risk.

Doohan, son of MotoGP great Mick, is starting his first full season this year.

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Vowles said at the time that the arrangement with Alpine represented Colapinto’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026. Williams have no vacancy for that period, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz under long-term contracts.

“The best chance he has is without me, as far as I saw it,” said Vowles as his team launched their 2025 car at Silverstone circuit. “That’s why he’s there.

“I don’t mean that to the detriment of Jack. I hope Jack has a successful time but ultimately, frankly, it’s my driver that I want back in that car.

“After a period of time, he’ll return to Williams… he’ll come back to Williams at some point.”

Media reports, quoting Colapinto’s management, have indicated the driver joined Alpine on a five-year loan deal.

“He’s with Alpine and he’s an Alpine driver for a number of years,” said Vowles.

“After that point, I hope he comes back to Williams and we’ll see where we end up.”