After a strong debut, Williams team principal James Vowles is committed to keeping Franco Colapinto in Formula 1 and is flirting with Sauber/Audi
Franco Colapinto has impressed in his first two Formula 1 outings at Monza and Baku after taking over the cockpit from Logan Sargeant at Williams in the middle of the season. His team boss James Vowles therefore wants to see the young Argentinian in the premier class beyond 2024.
However, the seats at Williams are already taken by Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz from 2025. However, there is a vacancy at Sauber (Audi from 2026) for next season.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Vowles is therefore open to talks that could enable Colapinto to take a seat alongside Nico Hülkenberg in the rival team. “In two races, he has shown the world that he deserves a place in Formula 1,” says the Briton, taking up the cudgels for Colapinto.
“I’ve always been a firm supporter of the idea that you have to give good drivers the opportunity to drive,” he emphasizes. “So we’ll see if we can find a way to work with Audi in this situation.”
“Let’s be surprised what happens in the end. We have decided on our driver pairing. I think it’s still the right line-up for Williams as we grow and develop into world championship material. “
Colapinto started the race year in Formula 2 but was promoted for the final nine Formula 1 races to replace Sargeant, who struggled to improve on his form from last season. The Argentinian immediately got up to speed and, despite an accident in Baku practice, was able to bounce back.
He beat teammate Albon in qualifying and scored his first points in the premier class with an eighth place. “I’m incredibly proud, like a father, of what Franco has achieved and I want him to be successful,” says Vowles.
In the long term, of course, that should be the 21-year-old at Williams. But in the meantime, the aim is to keep him as busy as possible in Formula 1. “The right way to bring him back to Williams is to make sure he builds his career. It’s as simple as that,” explains the team boss.”
Asked if a release would take place while Colapinto remains in the Williams family, Vowles replied, “I won’t go into the contractual arrangements, but he will always be part of the family. You need to know that, but that doesn’t mean he can’t drive somewhere else. “