Franco Colapinto’s manager has condemned the “abuse” aimed at Jack Doohan as rumours continue to swirl around his role in the Alpine Formula 1 team.

The 21-year-old was signed by the Anglo-French marque as a reserve driver for this season, having been sprung from his previous contract with Williams.

Colapinto had competed in the remaining nine rounds of the previous campaign with the Grove-based squad, scoring five points.

Alpine had already promoted Jack Doohan to its race roster alongside Pierre Gasly, but since his signing, Colapinto has been the subject of speculation that he will replace the Australian early in the upcoming campaign.

Both Team Principal Oliver Oakes and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore have been coy on the subject, fuelling the rumours further, with the former telling Le Parisien he will “change” a driver who “isn’t bringing me results”.

Many fans are now taking to social media to direct frustration and anger at the situation, which prompted Jamie Campbell-Walter – a director of Bullet Sports Management, Colapinto’s representatives – to wade in.

Responding to a post on X urging people to ‘stop posting nonsense on Alpine’s account,’ Campbell-Walter replied: “Well said!

“The haters who think they help Franco, you are doing him more harm than good.

“Insults to the team, to Jack and sometimes to other supporters of Alpine.

“Franco and all of us who support him are fans of the whole team, Pierre [Gasly] and Jack.

“Conduct yourselves with passion but not abuse and arrogance. Franco’s time will come but not like this, you will achieve the opposite.”

Steiner rebukes ‘exaggerated’ Alpine speculation

Former Haas boss-turned-media figure Guenther Steiner has offered his opinion on the situation, affirming that the topic has been somewhat over-embroidered.

“I think the pressure comes from outside,” Steiner told Speedcafe.

“A lot of these things which are happening in F1 is like someone said, ‘Oh, he has got only six races, and then it will be decided’.

“Somebody said it, somebody repeated it, and it got bigger and bigger.

“I don’t even know if it’s true because nobody knows where it came from.

“So, for me, it’s an exaggerated rumour.”

Steiner went on to say that Doohan will not be the only driver on the grid under pressure and that his father – legendary motorcycle racer Mick – will be an important presence in ensuring he can handle the expectations.

“Obviously, in F1, it’s not only him under pressure; everyone needs to perform,” Steiner reasoned.

“If he performs, he will be fine, there will be no problem.

“He has got his father, Mick, the legend, around, so he will help him to go through this pressure he has got on.

“When you are a race car driver, you have always got pressure.

“I just don’t see where it came from,” he added of the speculation.

“It wasn’t an official statement, so if there’s no official statement, I always assume that somebody opened his mouth not knowing what he’s saying, just wanting a headline.

“Jack needs to stay calm, do what he’d good at, race cars, and then the performance will come, and he will be here to stay.

“I may have simplified it a little bit, but that’s what it is about.”

READ MORE – Pierre Gasly hails ‘important’ Flavio Briatore impact at Alpine

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Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has hailed Franco Colapinto as one of the team’s “most important assets” ahead of the Formula 1 2025 season.

The young Argentine joined the Enstone-based squad after the end of the 2024 season.

Colapinto made his debut in F1 for Williams, competing in nine races and scoring five points in total after replacing Logan Sargeant midway through the season.

Sargeant’s replacement was Carlos Sainz after he was forced to leave Ferrari, which meant Colapinto had no seat for 2025.

Alpine swooped in for the 21-year-old, despite having already decided on its driver lineup for next season with Jack Doohan set to replace Esteban Ocon.

However, even though Colapinto will act as the team’s reserve driver for 2025, there have been rumours that Doohan could be replaced by the Buenos Aires-born racing driver before the end of the season.

But for Briatore, the focus remains on nurturing the talent the French squad acquired from its Constructors’ rivals.

“He’s quick, he’s a very, very good driver,” the Italian told Argentine broadcaster Eltrece.

“He needs some experience, but we believe in Franco.

“We were fighting to have Franco in the team.

“And for the future, Franco is one of the most important assets for us.”

The 74-year-old went on to praise the impact he has had so far on the team.

“In Formula 1, what is important is the timing,” he added.

“He’s a nice guy, and he respects the sponsors – he has a very good conversation with all the engineering.

“He’s working very hard in this moment with us, I’m very happy.”

Alpine advisor reluctant to talk about mid-season swap rumours

Recent reports have suggested that Doohan’s future with the team isn’t set in stone, with talks of the Australian’s contract only guaranteeing him a limited number of races.

Asked about the potential of a driver-swap, Briatore refused to be drawn into discussing the rumours, instead ensuring that the team will provide Colapinto with the tool he needs to succeed.

“The promise is we will try all the best to put Franco in the position to do the job,” he said.

“This is what we need to be doing.

“We do all the effort with the engineers to make sure he has the right car to do the job.

“And after [that], we’ll see.”

For the former Formula 2 racing driver, joining Alpine was a decision taken to improve his chances at a full-time seat in the sport.

Speaking to the media during Alpine’s F1 75 launch event, Colapinto revealed why he left Williams for Alpine.

“In the end, Alpine was the best option, and the one that gave me more opportunities for a main driver seat in the future,” he told Telenoche.

Colapinto also spoke of his admiration for Briatore, whose career in F1 spans decades – recruiting the likes of Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher.

“It’s an honour and a motive of pride,” Colapinto said.

“He’s the one who found [Michael Schumacher] and [Fernando] Alonso.

“He’s got a lot of history in F1 and he’s going with his gut; he hasn’t missed so far.”

READ MORE: Jack Doohan hits back at rumours Franco Colapinto could replace him at Alpine

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Jack Doohan has revealed that Alpine has reassured him about his place in Formula 1 amid rumours that Franco Colapinto is being lined up to replace him mid-season.

Doohan is gearing up to embark on his rookie campaign in the sport having been chosen to replace the departed Esteban Ocon to partner the established Pierre Gasly. 

However, the Enstone-based squad negotiating a deal with Williams to acquire Colapinto has triggered speculation that he is set to take Doohan’s spot at some stage. 

Williams boss James Vowles added more substance to such claims when he revealed that Colapinto’s release to Alpine could even secure him a return to F1 this season.

The Argentine had impressed in an interim spell with Williams last time around, but Carlos Sainz’s arrival resigned him not to retaining his drive at the Grove-based squad.

But Doohan, who conducted his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi in December, dismissed the mounting reports surrounding his position, citing that pressure is inevitable in the sport.

Asked what Alpine has told him about Colapinto’s role, Doohan told media including Motorsport Week at the F1 75 event: “I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver. 

“I think regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world. I know when I was a go-karter in Formula 3, Formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.

“I don’t think necessarily if it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cutthroat sport.

“Whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it, and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”

Doohan not feeling Colapinto pressure at Alpine

Pressed on whether Colapinto’s presence has made him feel undermined at Alpine, the Australian highlighted that he was in the exact same role this time 12 months ago. 

“I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract, but no, I don’t,” he replied. “Maybe I should? I don’t really understand that question, but definitely not.”

Doohan eager to learn from Gasly

Doohan, who has been embedded in the Alpine setup since 2022, expressed that he is eager to draw on Gasly’s vast experience in the sport to negotiate his maiden season.

“I’ve been, obviously, a team-mate directly in the car for the last two years, but from, let’s say, a third person point of view, looking in and seeing Pierre as a driver and obviously him being so richly experienced now, a race winner, podium finisher, an exceptional driver in Formula 1,” he assessed.

“So to be partnered up against him is great and I’m sure it’ll be amazing for me to learn off him and increase my capabilities in Formula 1 car.”

READ MORE – James Vowles confirms Franco Colapinto will return to Williams

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Williams Formula 1 boss James Vowles has revealed Franco Colapinto will return to the team in the future, despite his ex-driver’s apparent long-term agreement with Alpine.

Colapinto’s emergence upon replacing the ousted Logan Sargeant with nine races to go at Williams in 2024 saw him become an unexpected hot topic in the driver market.

The Argentine was consigned to vacating his interim spot at Williams to Carlos Sainz, but his exploits, which included points on his second outing, garnered interest elsewhere.

Alpine capitalised on the situation to negotiate a deal to acquire Colapinto, who will begin the upcoming campaign among the squad’s expanded reserve driver pool.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision to release his graduate to a rival, Vowles highlighted that Colapinto has a better chance of returning to the grid with Alpine.

Colapinto has been touted to be given the step up to a race drive at Jack Doohan’s expense, with a switch even considered plausible at some point during this season. 

And while it was indicated that pen was put to paper on a deal until 2029, Vowles has guaranteed Colapinto will be recalled to Williams once his stint at Alpine concludes.

Asked whether he could validate that it is a loan arrangement, Vowles told media including Motorsport Week: “It’s as I described it, really.

“There’s a period of time whereby I hope he is racing for Alpine. 

“The reason why we did this is that I wanted him to be racing in ’25 and or ’26. It’s the best chance he has is with Alpine, as far as [getting on the grid], that’s why he’s there.

“And I don’t mean that to the detriment of Jack. I hope Jack has a successful time. 

“But ultimately, Franco is my driver that I want back in that car.

“After a period of time, he’ll return to Williams. That period of time is not a line set in stone where I can look you in the eye and say it.

“But I can say he’ll be back to Williams at some point.”

Alpine giving Doohan a ‘fair crack’ amid Colapinto rumours

There have been rumours that a clause in Doohan’s contract will permit Alpine to drop him mid-season and place Colapinto alongside the more established Pierre Gasly. 

But Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has instead the Australian, who made his F1 debut at the season finale in Abu Dhabi in December, will be given the chance to prove his worth. 

“It’s been a little bit harsh on Jack, some of the stuff that was written by the keyboard warriors there, and he’s getting his fair crack at it next year,” Oakes said.

Oakes stressed that signing Colapinto “isn’t to put [pressure] on [Doohan’s] shoulders, instead explaining that it was done to “give the team options further down the line”.

“And for me F1 is fine margins,” he continued.

“There’s a load of people who are depending on a driver to deliver each weekend, and we need to make sure we’ve got the best drivers in the race car, not just now, but also in the future.”

READ MORE – James Vowles highlights initial impact Carlos Sainz has had at Williams

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Ex-Williams driver Jacques Villeneuve says Franco Colapinto can’t afford to ‘cry’ about missing out on a full-time Formula 1 seat as he ‘damaged’ his own chances.

With no seat on the grid for 2025, Colapinto left Williams at the end of the season to join Alpine as a reserve team driver.

The young Argentine from Formula 2 got his chance in F1 when James Vowles dumped Logan Sargeant after the Dutch Grand Prix.

He stepped up for the remainder of the season and scored points in Singapore and the United States – impressing the likes of Red Bull and Alpine.

After multiple crashes at the Brazilian Grand Prix, a shunt in Las Vegas and a DNF at the opening corner in Qatar, any interest in Colapinto for a full-time seat next season was soon squashed.

Williams had already decided on its driver pairing for 2025, with Carlos Sainz joining from Ferrari, as Colapinto’s future now rests on how Jack Doohan performs in the early stages of the 2025 season.

However, Villeneuve insists that the 21-year-old has only himself to blame for not securing a spot on next year’s grid.

“Franco Colapinto damaged his chances,” he told Action Network.

“If you are given the golden chance, it’s for you to make the most of it.

“He can’t cry about it.

“He got a few races out of this in F1.

“Not many people get that so it’s already impressive that he got that chance.

“I’m not sure what will happen with his future.

“He’s still a quick driver.

“But what he showed is he didn’t judge the situation really well.”

Villeneuve surprised by influx of rookies in F1

An incredible six drivers will line up on the grid in 2025 for their first full-time season in F1; Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson.

Doohan and Bearman have already competed in a Grand Prix before, as Lawson joins Red Bull after 11 races with the sister team.

Bortoletto arrives in the sport as the highest-ranked F2 graduate, beating Hadjar to the 2024 F2 title.

But Villeneuve finds it difficult to understand how so many young drivers find their way into F1 with such “little experience”.

“No idea what to expect out of Bortoleto, no idea,” he said.

“Formula 2 has never been a good judge of drivers.

“So, it’s pointless until they get into F1 but right now they get into F1 with so little experience.

“It’s very difficult to understand how you can get to that top level in the biggest sport in the world so quickly at such a young age with so little experience.

“I find that quite surprising.

“They get a lot of simulator work, which allows them to be quick but then you also see what happened with Antonelli in Monza.”

READ MORE: Why Franco Colapinto looks poised to make his second F1 mid-season scalp at Alpine

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Franco Colapinto’s manager has revealed Red Bull had an interest in her client, but a deal which could’ve seen him partner Max Verstappen in Formula 1 “didn’t work out”.

Alpine announced earlier this month it had reached an agreement with Williams to acquire Colapinto, who has penned a long-term deal which will begin with a reserve role.

But while he will commence the 2025 campaign on the sidelines, Colapinto could have been racing with either Red Bull-backed squad in an alternative universe.

Having replaced the axed Logan Sargeant at Williams prior to last term’s Italian Grand Prix, Colapinto burst onto the scene with two points finishes in his first four outings. 

The Argentine’s exploits came at a time when Red Bull was at a crossroads with Sergio Perez’s persistent struggles making his eventual departure appear a guarantee. 

Red Bull boss Christian Horner was spotted visiting Williams’ hospitality unit in Brazil amid the Grove-based squad’s boss, James Vowles, stating that he was open to talks.

However, Colapinto enduring several shunts in the closing rounds prompted Red Bull’s interest to subside, with Liam Lawson being promoted once Perez’s exit was announced.

Maria Catarineu, Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, believes the in-house options available to Red Bull contributed to its interest in Colapinto subsiding. 

“Clearly, Christian showed an interest in Franco,” Catarineu told Corazon de F1.

“It could have been for Red Bull as Max’s team-mate, or for the second Red Bull team.

“There were other teams too.

“But Christian wanted to know what the situation is with Williams and have a chat with James. Eventually, the Red Bull route, for different reasons, could not be. 

“First, because Red Bull has many parts, it has a very powerful academy with drivers who were already waiting and, well, it didn’t work out.”

How Alpine’s interest emerged

Colapinto has still departed Williams, though, as he has gone to Alpine, with rumours circulating that he is being lined up to take Jack Doohan’s place on the F1 grid.

Catarineu divulged that the Enstone-based squad’s interest materialised at “more or less the same time as Red Bull”, a pursuit that Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore led. 

“Flavio said ‘I want him, and I want him like this and like this.,” she recalled.

“But it was very complicated because there is Franco as a driver, his management company, there is Williams as Franco’s team, there are the interested other teams.

“But that’s where it started. And Flavio never lost his interest.”

Colapinto relieved to secure Alpine role

Colapinto’s initial role with Alpine will comprise dovetailing simulator work with a Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme in the Anglo-French marque’s previous cars.

“He is super, super happy,” Catarineu added. “You have to realise that just a few months ago we didn’t know if we were ever going to be in Formula 1.

“And then the nine races with Williams happened. But then again there was uncertainty and his anguish, because there is no place at Williams. And now he is happy. Very happy.”

READ MORE – Franco Colapinto’s manager discloses Alpine F1 contract length

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Franco Colapinto’s manager has revealed her client has signed a five-year deal with Alpine which has guaranteed his new team control over his Formula 1 prospects.

Alpine announced last week that it had reached an agreement with Williams to acquire Colapinto, who will commence the upcoming season in a reserve driver role.

Having replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams prior to the Italian Grand Prix last term, Colapinto garnered attention when he scored points twice in his first four races.

Colapinto instant impression prompted Red Bull to hold discussions over a move until several shunts late in the season witnessed it elect to go with in-house options.

However, Alpine’s interest didn’t subside and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore headed a pursuit which culminated with Williams agreeing to release Colapinto to a rival.

Maria Catarineu, Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, has explained how Briatore’s unwavering desire to sign Colapinto was central to the breakthrough.

“It took a long time because negotiations are sometimes complex, as in this case. But Flavio was always very persistent and in the last few weeks he was very intense,” she told the Argentinian publication Infobae.

“The agreement came about because both parties got what they wanted – Flavio was able to sign Franco and [Williams boss] James [Vowles] was able to give him the chance to race, because at Williams their regular drivers are on long-term contracts.”

Briatore wanted to manage Colapinto

Catarineu claimed Briatore became obsessed with bringing Colapinto to Alpine the moment he stacked up well against an established Alex Albon in his maiden outing.

“Briatore has seen Franco since he made his F1 debut,” she highlighted. “The day we first chatted he said: ‘I’ve seen talent and I want him’.

“He followed all the races closely and how he evolved as an F1 driver in the nine Grands Prix he was able to race.”

According to Catarineu, Briatore’s “at all costs” attitude even led him to want to become Colapinto’s manager, though that is something that didn’t materialise in the end.

“It’s the best thing for everyone that Jamie [Campbell-Walter] and I are still in charge of Franco and more on a day-to-day basis,” she added.

“Obviously Flavio will be aware of everything that happens. This is teamwork.”

Colapinto’s Alpine contract date revealed

Alpine’s press release communicated that Colapinto is on a multi-term deal, but Catarineu has implied that he has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until 2029.

“Williams gave Franco to Alpine for five years,” she divulged.

Catarineu also appears to have dismissed there being a loan arrangement between Williams and Alpine, signalling that the latter will deal with potential future suitors.

“I understand that, if another team appears interested in Franco, within that period, I guess it would be a negotiation between Alpine and the other team,” she continued.

Colapinto’s move has prompted rumours that he is being readied to replace Jack Doohan in Alpine’s driver line-up should the Australian struggle in his rookie season.

Asked whether she believes that Colapinto will be granted the chance to return to the F1 grid with Alpine, Catarineu answered coyly: “I’m not going to say what I feel.”

READ MORE – Alpine insists Jack Doohan to begin F1 2025 despite Franco Colapinto arrival

The post Franco Colapinto’s manager discloses Alpine F1 contract length appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has insisted that Jack Doohan will begin the 2025 Formula 1 season amid the team signing Franco Colapinto to a reserve role.

The Enstone-based squad has announced that an agreement has been reached with Williams to release Colapinto, who has penned a multi-term deal with his new side.

Colapinto burst onto the scene last term when he replaced Logan Sargeant mid-season, impressing with two points finishes in his nine-race stint alongside Alex Albon.

But retaining that seat was never an option as Williams had snapped up multiple race winner Carlos Sainz to partner incumbent Albon prior to Colapinto’s emergence.

Meanwhile, Colapinto ending his interim spell with several shunts prompted Red Bull and Sauber’s initial interest to subside, consigning him to a spell on the sidelines.

However, Colapinto’s Alpine switch has prompted reports a return could be on the cards, with Williams boss James Vowles indicating that might even transpire in 2025.

The Argentine’s comeback could come at Jack Doohan’s expense as speculation has swirled that Alpine could move aside the Australian to promote its newest recruit.

Briatore, though, has said Doohan, who made his F1 debut at the final round in Abu Dhabi last month, will start the upcoming season with Pierre Gasly in Alpine’s A525.

Asked whether Doohan was certain to commence the 2025 campaign before the Colapinto news, Briatore told Le Parisien: “The only thing we can be sure of is death!

“We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that.”

Doohan continuation depends on results

But Briatore has implied that Doohan’s continuation will depend on how he stacks up against Gasly as he reiterated his willingness to impose a mid-season change.

“After that, we’ll see as the season progresses,” he continued.

“I have to get the team in the right condition to get results and the driver is the one who has to conclude the work of nearly 1,000 people behind him. Everyone works for just two people.

“If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”

Colapinto ‘among best talents in motorsport’

The Italian has expressed his admiration towards Colapinto on numerous occasions and has dubbed his newest prospect “among the best talents in motorsport.”

“We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto,” Briatore beamed.

“Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver

“We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”

READ MORE – Williams explains decision to release Franco Colapinto to Alpine

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Williams has explained that the team agreed to sanction Franco Colapinto‘s exit to Alpine as it represents his “best chance” of earning a permanent seat in Formula 1.

Colapinto has departed Williams to move to Alpine on a multi-year deal in a switch which will see him commence the upcoming campaign in a reserve driver position.

The Argentine impressed in a nine-race stint at the end of the previous season with two points finishes, having replaced Logan Sargeant prior to the Italian Grand Prix.

However, Colapinto was guaranteed to relinquish his spot at Williams as the side had obtained Carlos Sainz to partner incumbent Alex Albon before his breakthrough.

Vowles had divulged a willingness to negotiate with an F1 rival, though, and Alpine retained an interest in Colapinto once Red Bull and Sauber went with other options.

That has culminated in this agreement between both parties, with Vowles admitting Colapinto is better placed to return to F1 with Alpine than the Grove-based squad.

“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.

“Over nine memorable races with Williams he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1 and we always said we would support him to get one.

“Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.

“The Williams Racing Driver Academy exists to discover and develop the F1 stars of the future which is exactly what it has done in Franco’s case, and builds on our long tradition of giving talented young drivers their break at the top level of motorsport.

“We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track.”

Colapinto ‘among the best talents in motorsport’

Vowles’ admission that Colapinto could end up competing in F1 again as soon as this term arrives despite Alpine having two drivers signed to start the 2025 season.

However, Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has indicated a mid-season change could be on the cards should rookie Jack Doohan struggle against Pierre Gasly.

Briatore has guaranteed that Doohan will begin the campaign, but the Enstone-based squad adding Colapinto, 21, is poised to increase the pressure on the Australian.

“We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto,” said Briatore.

“Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now.

“It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver.

“We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”

READ MORE – Franco Colapinto leaves Williams to sign as Alpine reserve for F1 2025

The post Williams explains decision to release Franco Colapinto to Alpine appeared first on Motorsport Week.

There are several hurdles that event organisers in Argentina will need to overcome to host Formula 1 for the first time since 1998 in the wake of Franco Colapinto‘s popularity.

With Colapinto’s mid-season emergence on the Grand Prix scene with Williams reigniting a passionate fire among motorsport fans in Argentina, government ministers held a meeting with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Tourism Minister Daniel Scioli led a delegation including Argentina’s Automobile Federation President Cesar Carman to get the ball rolling with Domenicali.

However, plans to bring F1 back to the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez in Buenos Ares will require a lot of dominoes to fall into place.

“We are starting to work on the possibility of bringing Formula 1 back to Argentina,” Scioli told Motorsport.com.

“Stefano knows Argentina very well, he has the best memories of our country.

“The meeting was very cordial, bearing in mind that we are talking about the organisation of an event that is the most sophisticated in the world in terms of logistics of all kinds.

“There is a lot of hard work to be done in order to reach the objective.

“We have to work on the race track, on all the requirements of an event as sophisticated as this one.”

Moreover, Scioli confirmed that any F1 event in Argentina would need to be privately funded.

This undoubtedly will hinge on whether Colapinto can secure a permanent drive in F1 in the near future.

His presence at Williams has attracted sponsorship from the likes of Mercado Libre, but Colapinto is still searching for a spot on the 2025 grid.

Argentina not alone in attracting F1 interest

Several markets are vying for a place in F1’s 24-race calendar, which Domenicali doesn’t want to expand at the present moment.

There’s interest from Thailand, South Korea, South Africa and Rwanda and the current Concorde agreement won’t let F1 stretch beyond 25 races regardless of Domenicali’s plans to cap the calendar to 24 events.

Such is the evolving interest in F1, Domenicali recently hinted that European races will soon rotate to allow new events to join the Grand Prix circus.

Argentina is proud of Colapinto’s rise to Grand Prix stardom

Whether Argentina succeeds in hosting an F1 race or not remains to be seen, but the interest is clear.

F1’s recent triple-header in the Americas saw 1000s of Argentine fans in the stands supporting Colapinto, who has turned heads upon his rise to F1.

Scioli expressed he is “very proud of what Colapinto is generating as an Argentinian.

“His charisma, his human qualities, his quality as a driver are wonderful.

“At a time when Formula 1 is growing, generating more and more expectations, it is an event that goes beyond sport, with political and social impact.”

READ MORE – Franco Colapinto’s manager adamant Williams will secure his 2025 F1 future

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