Williams team principal James Vowles is confident Franco Colapinto will impress as he prepares to makes his Formula 1 debut for Alpine at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend, Afrosport reports.
The Argentine driver was previously on the books of Williams towards the end of last season when he replaced the underperforming Logan Sargeant, and scored points in Azerbaijan and the United States.
Colapinto was however unable to get a permanent Williams seat for the 2025 season after Williams opted to sign Carlos Sainz from Ferrari.
The 24-year-old was offered a reserve and test driver role at Alpine and will now drive for the next five Grands Prix after the demotion of rookie Jack Doohan who has failed to score points after six races.
“Is it in a turbulent time? Yes, no doubt about it,” Vowles said of Colapinto’s return to the starting grid.
“I actually think the learning is invaluable.
“Whether it’s in that team or elsewhere, it’s time on track and it’s time in a difficult environment. And if you come out of it you’ll only be stronger as a result, and Franco is stronger so I think it’s still the right place for him to be at this stage.”
Vowles added: “I’m proud he was part of our academy and that we have a responsibility towards why he’s now on the grid today.
“What you saw with us is that he got up to speed very quickly. I know he’s immensely quick. So I think, irrespective of whatever deadline they’ve set, he’ll do a good job in that period of time.”
Vamos Nene
Time for @FranColapinto‘s first weekend in @AlpineF1Team colours
pic.twitter.com/zpg9sP8g4e
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 12, 2025
Colapinto will also race at the Monaco, Spanish, Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix alongside Pierre Gasly.
