Franco Colapinto Shakes Up 2025 Formula 1 Grid Amid Red Bull Rumors
The 21-year-old Argentine driver, Franco Colapinto, has made a strong impression since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams, scoring points in two of his six outings with the Grove-based team. This has created a small earthquake in the world of Formula 1, with rumors linking him to Red Bull’s teams for the 2025 season.
Although Colapinto doesn’t have a full-time seat for 2025, Williams boss James Vowles admitted the team was actively working with rival squads to find a spot for him on the grid next year. The speculation during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend went as far as linking him with a Red Bull drive alongside Max Verstappen, potentially taking over the seat of the struggling Sergio Perez.
“The interest in Colapinto was confirmed by Red Bull executives themselves during the Interlagos weekend. Red Bull boss Christian Horner was spotted visiting the Williams hospitality to meet with Vowles, sparking interest in the paddock.”
While Colapinto is attracting interest from Red Bull, the question remains as to where he would be placed should he end up joining the energy drinks company’s roster. According to rumors, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko sees Liam Lawson, who has made a strong return to F1 since the United States GP, as Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025. In this scenario, an RB seat would be available for Colapinto alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
However, speculation suggests Horner’s plan would be different. He would prefer to promote Colapinto directly to Red Bull alongside Verstappen, in which case Lawson would have his first full season in F1 at RB. Horner would be interested in this scenario to maximize the financial potential of Colapinto, whose popularity has exploded in Argentina and throughout Central and South America.
The move would not be without risk, given Colapinto’s limited experience having started the year in Formula 2. Horner’s vision also would not support the work of the Red Bull Junior Team, a programme that was once flourishing but has stalled in recent years.
At the moment, Colapinto is still a Williams driver, and Vowles has raised the bar quite high for those interested in him, with rumors claiming a demand of $20 million. Additionally, a wild rumor has also emerged this week linking Colapinto with Alpine, despite the team having officially confirmed Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan for 2025.
The 2025 Formula 1 grid is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the potential arrival of Colapinto set to shake things up in the sport.
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