Alpine have reached an agreement with Williams to make Franco Colapinto their test and reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Afrosport reports.
The 21-year-old Argentine had been heavily linked with a move to Alpine in recent weeks and has now signed a multi-year deal.
Colapinto made an immediate impression in F1 when he was drafted in by Williams to replace Logan Sargeant from last year’s Italian Grand Prix.
He scored points in just his second race in Azerbaijan and again in the United States with his early impressive displays catching the eyes of the likes of Red Bull and Alpine.
He however failed to secure a full-time drive for 2025 as Carlos Sainz was signed to partner Alex Albon. He will now share reserve and test duties at Alpine with Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” Colapinto said per the Alpine website. “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 One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that. Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour. 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. Also, a massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 season.”
VAMOS FRANCO 🇦🇷
He joins us on a multi-year deal. Franco will be our Reserve Driver for 2025 👌
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 9, 2025
Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine will put some early pressure on rookie Jack Doohan who will partner Pierre Gasly for 2025.
It is however believed that Doohan only signed a short-term contract with Alpine, giving the French manufacturer the option to make a driver change if necessary.
