Rising F1 star Franco Colapinto joins Alpine after striking agreement with Williams
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Franco Colapinto has joined Alpine from Williams, signing a multi-year deal to become the team's test and reserve driver ahead of the new Formula One season. Colapinto impressed in his temporary nine-race stint with Williams last season, having replaced Logan Sargeant after he was axed. However, Carlos Sainz will partner Alex Albon this season after he joined from Ferrari and Colapinto has now agreed a deal with Alpine.
"I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team," Colapinto said. "First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. "They turned my dream of racing in Formula One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that. Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour.
"A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo], Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us. Also, a massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 season.
"Your support made it all possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me. Let’s aim for even greater things in 2025 and beyond.". Williams' team principal James Vowles, meanwhile, paid tribute Colapinto and wished him well at Alpine. "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025," Vowles said.
