Major news outlets reported that Franco Colapinto is close to signing a 2025 deal with the Alpine F1 team.
Argentine-based publication Diario Olé has been reporting that "reliable sources" informed them that a deal between Franco Colapinto and Alpine is imminent.
The 21-year-old showed his huge potential after replacing Logan Sargeant in Williams Racing for the last nine Grand Prix weekends of the 2024 season.
The Argentinian driver had an incredible start, scoring points in two of his first four races. This caught the attention of teams like Red Bull, Sauber, and Alpine, which already had a full lineup for 2025 at that point.
Unfortunately, Colapinto ended the season with three retirements in the last four Grand Prix races, which caused Red Bull and other F1 teams to lose interest.
After Red Bull confirmed their final driver lineup for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls and completed the 2025 F1 grid lineup, it seemed like the Argentinian driver would be left without a seat for the upcoming season.
However, there is one team that reportedly hasn't lost interest, and that is Alpine. Its driver lineup includes experienced Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan - who took part in his first Grand Prix when replacing Esteban Ocon for the final race of the 2024 season.
It is Doohan that seems to be under threat of replacement. According to Diario Olé, Doohan's contract with Alpine is valid only for the first six races of 2025.
Alpine's executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, promised that the French F1 team would start the season with Gasly and Doohan. However, he wouldn't confirm that Doohan will see out the rest of the year.
RacingNews365 also reported that Franco Colapinto is close to a deal with the team from Enstone. The Dutch publication understands that Colapinto could for now take place of the "third driver."
This would make the 21-year-old Argentinian the first in line to potentially replace Doohan if his performances aren't satisfactory.
POPULAR NEWS
Montoya 'Sure' Verstappen Stopped Sainz From Joining Red Bull
Franco Colapinto Signs Multi-Year Deal With Alpine
'Only Thing' Palmer Would Change About 'Top Tier' Verstappen
Verstappen Vs Larson Debate Reopened As Hinchcliffe Issues Verdict
Belgian Grand Prix Remains Part Of F1 Calendar Beyond 2025, But There Is Catch
