Chargement
Franco Colapinto is emerging as a potential solution for Williams if Carlos Sainz exercises the break clause in his contract and leaves the team after the 2026 season.
Sainz, who signed a long-term deal with Williams, has indicated that he still has not decided where he will race in 2027. His preferred scenario reportedly involves Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull, creating a direct route back to the front of the grid. A move to another midfield team, such as Alpine or Aston Martin, appears more likely.
The uncertainty has already prompted speculation around Williams. Sergio Perezâs management has reportedly opened talks with the team, but Colapintoâs existing relationship with the Grove outfit gives him a different kind of leverage.
Colapinto was seen having dinner with James Vowles, his former Williams boss, during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. The Argentine raced nine times for Williams at the end of the 2024 season after replacing Logan Sargeant, scoring five points. However, Sainz had already been signed for 2025, leaving no permanent seat available.
Colapinto subsequently became an Alpine reserve driver before replacing Jack Doohan during the season. Reports at the time suggested that Williams had loaned him to Alpine on a five-year agreement. Viaplay commentator Nelson Valkenburg believes that contractual connection remains.
âI also believe Franco is still part of the Williams family, in a way,â Valkenburg said on Nailing the Apex. âHeâs still contracted to them in some way, shape or form. It would make sense. Itâs also a vote of confidence in your own academy.â
Williams could potentially recall Colapinto if Sainz departs, although doing so before the five-year period ends may carry a financial penalty. His first Williams spell showed promise, despite a late-season run of crashes that depleted the teamâs supply of spare parts.
His Alpine campaign produced no points last season, although the team was the slowest on the grid. He has shown improvement this year, including seventh- and sixth-place finishes in Miami and Canada, but still trails Pierre Gasly 20-9 in their head-to-head record.
Colapinto joined the Williams academy in January 2023. With that link intact and the teamâs regression potentially reducing competition for the seat, the 2027 Williams line-up could yet offer him a route back.
Il est ingénieur logiciel et passionné de Formule 1 et de sport automobile. Il a cofondé Formula Live Pulse afin de rendre les données télémétriques en direct et les informations sur les courses accessibles, visuelles et faciles à suivre.