Vowles hopes to see Colapinto back at Williams, but his "best chance" is at Alpine

Is this just goodbye, Franco? In the offseason, Franco Colapinto packed his bags and moved out of Grove, where the Williamsor a enstone to join Alpine as a reserve driver. With his promising performances in 2024 and the sponsors he brings in his luggage, the Argentinian will compete in nine Grands Prix in Formula 1 convinced the French team to recruit him as a third driver… and potentially a future starter if Jack Doohan does not meet the expectations of Flavio Briatore's gang. The Australian's position is already fragile before the 2025 campaign even begins and obviously, it is the South American who is the main contender for this second French seat.

Obviously, it is without regret that James Vowles decided to hand over his ex-pilot to AlpineThe British leader, who will have Carlos Sainz et Alexander albon dependent in 2025, knows that Franco Colapinto has a real opportunity to return to Formula 1 with the French team. "The best chance he has is without me, from what I see. That's why he's [at Alpine], said the Williams Team Principal on the sidelines of the presentation of the FW47. I don't mean that to Jack [Doohan]'s detriment. I hope Jack has success, but at the end of the day, frankly, it's my driver that I want to see in that car."

Vowles hopes for Colapinto return

According to several sources, including Franco Colapinto's entourage, Williams would have "loaned" Franco Colapinto to Alpine for the next five years. An excessively long duration for a loan that betrays the ambitions of the A fléché with its new reserve… For James Vowles, that Franco Colapinto has his chance at Alpine or not, he hopes the Argentinian will have the opportunity to return to Grove, where it all began for the 21-year-old. “After a while he will come back to Williams… he will come back to Williams at some point, James Vowles is convinced. He is at home Alpine and he's a pilot Alpine for a number of years. After that, hopefully he'll come back to Williams and we'll see where we are." And if Alex Albon or Carlos Sainz were to escape Grove prematurely, willingly or not, could Franco Colapinto return home sooner than expected? Nothing is impossible…

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