Franco Colapinto has officially joined the Alpine Formula One team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season, marking an exciting new chapter in his racing career. This move follows an agreement with his previous team, Williams, from which he made a significant transition. Although Alpine has confirmed Jack Doohan as their race driver for the start of the 2025 season—replacing Esteban Ocon—Colapinto’s signing solidifies Alpine’s strong driver lineup and serves as a crucial part of their backup strategy.
Colapinto, an Argentine driver, first made waves in Formula One last year when he filled in for Logan Sargeant at Williams during the Italian Grand Prix. His performances quickly gained attention, particularly after he earned points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and secured a notable 10th-place finish at the U.S. Grand Prix in Texas. These performances raised Colapinto’s profile within F1, leading to interest from both Red Bull and Alpine. However, after experiencing a series of retirements in the final four races of the season, Red Bull’s interest in the young driver diminished, leaving the door open for Alpine to move in.
Alongside Colapinto, Alpine has further strengthened their reserve and test driver lineup by adding Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa and Estonian Paul Aron. These additions bolster the team's flexibility and ensure that they have a comprehensive backup strategy for the 2025 season, which will be crucial as they push for success on the track. With Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan confirmed as the full-time drivers for 2025, Alpine now has a well-rounded and strong driver roster, further solidifying their position for the upcoming season.
Colapinto has expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to join Alpine. He shared, “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.” The young driver also expressed appreciation for key figures at Alpine, including Luca de Meo, Flavio Briatore, and Oliver Oakes, who played a pivotal role in bringing him into the team. He stated, “A huge thank you to Luca, Flavio, and Oliver for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms.”
Additionally, Colapinto took a moment to thank his sponsors and fans for their unwavering support throughout the challenges of the 2024 season. “A massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 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,” he added, acknowledging the significant role they played in his journey to F1.
As he embarks on this exciting new phase with Alpine, Colapinto is determined to build on his previous success and continue to grow as a driver. His move to Alpine is not just a significant step in his career but also a reflection of the team’s forward-looking strategy. With a highly talented driver pool and a clear vision for the future, Alpine is setting itself up for greater achievements in the 2025 season and beyond.
Colapinto’s transition to Alpine, alongside his ambitions for the future, signals a promising trajectory in his F1 career. It also reinforces Alpine’s strategic approach to securing strong and versatile drivers to push the team toward competitive success. As the 2025 season approaches, both Colapinto and Alpine have much to look forward to, with the driver eager to prove his worth and contribute to the team's growth in the coming years.
