In a twist that has sent the F1 world buzzing, Williams’ rising star Franco Colapinto could be on the verge of joining Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen in 2025. Rumors sparked by cryptic social media posts from Red Bull Argentina and praise from Telcel’s Carlos Slim—long-time backer of Sergio Perez—suggest that the Argentinian talent might be in line to replace Perez, whose performance has left Red Bull searching for new options.
Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams before the 2024 Italian GP, quickly defied doubters, delivering standout performances in Azerbaijan, Singapore, and the United States. His rapid rise has placed him among the most thrilling prospects in Formula 1, leaving Williams’ boss James Vowles in a challenging position with limited options for the 21-year-old, as the team’s seats are secured with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon through 2026.
Adding fuel to the fire, Carlos Slim recently praised Colapinto, hinting that his team would explore a partnership with the young talent if the opportunity arises. “I have a lot of admiration for what he has been achieving,” Slim shared. “It’s very proud to see an Argentinian representing Latin America on the global stage.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has also acknowledged Colapinto’s potential, commenting that the team is closely watching his progress. “Franco is a kid that’s doing really, really well,” Horner said. “Of course, you’re always keeping an eye on the driver market, and I think Franco definitely has the qualities to be a star of the future.”
Reports indicate that Williams is open to letting Colapinto leave temporarily, though Red Bull would prefer a permanent deal to ensure long-term investment. Sources suggest Red Bull may need to shell out approximately €20 million ($21.4 million) to secure Colapinto’s signature—a hefty price for a young driver, but one that could bring high rewards.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, all eyes are on Colapinto’s potential jump to Red Bull, where he could bring fresh energy alongside Verstappen as Red Bull looks to solidify its dominance. If the deal goes through, it would mark a significant chapter in Formula 1, with Colapinto positioned as a new Latin American hero in the sport.
