Williams explain decision to release Franco Colapinto to Alpine

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Alpine confirmed on Thursday that Franco Colapinto will be one of their reserve drivers for the 2025 Formula 1 season with the 21-year-old making the switch from Williams. Williams Team Principal James Vowles explained why the team let the promising youngster switch to Alpine and claimed that the move represents Colapinto’s ‘best chance’ of winning a seat either later this year or for the 2026 season. “Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026. “We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track.” Colapinto added: “I want to say a big thanks to Williams Racing and the team partners, who supported me from the moment I joined the Academy and gave me the opportunity of becoming a Formula 1 driver.