Alpine signs Franco Colapinto; Jack Doohan retains seat for now

Field Level Media|published: Thu 9th January, 15:02 2025

Nov 21, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Franco Colapinto (43) arrives before practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Alpine signed Argentina's Franco Colapinto to a multi-year deal Thursday as a test and reserve driver for the upcoming season, putting the 21-year-old closer to a full-time ride.

The team also announced that Ryo Hirakawa of Japan also will serve in a test and reserve driver role in 2025.

Colapinto raised his profile in 2024 with Williams as a replacement driver for Logan Sargeant of the United States. He earned points in two of his first four races with Williams before he was involved in crashes at Sao Paulo and Qatar toward the end of the just-completed season.

Colapinto and Hirakawa are set to back up Williams' full-time drivers Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan.

With Colapinto waiting in the wings, Doohan's spot could be in jeopardy if he does not deliver early results.

"Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with Alpine is truly an honor," said Colapinto, who raced nine times for Williams last season, starting with a 12th-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix on Sept. 1. "... I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us."

Colapinto's best finish last season was eighth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sept. 15.

--Field Level Media

Latest