Williams Academy Driver and FIA Formula 2 rookie Franco Colapinto has revealed that his management held discussions with Williams regarding a potential Formula 1 race seat for 2025. The talks revolved around the possibility of Colapinto partnering Alex Albon at the Grove-based team. However, Williams ultimately decided to sign outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, announcing the multi-year deal in late July.
For Williams, currently ranked ninth in the Constructors’ standings, securing a driver of Sainz’s caliber marks a significant step forward in their ambitions to climb the grid. The lengthy negotiations for Sainz’s contract left room for speculation, and Colapinto and his management team explored the opportunity. Despite missing out on the seat, the 20-year-old Argentine driver remains optimistic about future prospects.
“Hope is always there and it’s the last thing you lose,” Colapinto told Argentine television channel DSports. He acknowledged that Williams made a logical choice in signing Sainz, given his experience and reputation. “They are two great drivers, team-mates Alex and Carlos, and they make a very good team, so that’s a good thing for Williams.”
Colapinto, who joined the Williams Academy last year and impressed with a fourth-place finish in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, is aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow Argentine and F1 legend Carlos Reutemann. Reflecting on his missed opportunity, Colapinto said, “Obviously I dreamed about it, and my managers were working hard for it, but we are going to work hard so that in 2026 Carlos has to leave.”
Since his promotion to Formula 2 in 2024, Colapinto has continued to showcase his potential, securing a race win and two additional podiums. Despite a recent run of challenging races, he remains focused on improvement, both personally and with his MP Motorsport team. “I had a difficult last few races due to factors beyond my control,” he admitted, but he is determined to work with his team to achieve better results.
As Colapinto continues to develop his career in Formula 2, he remains a promising prospect for a future F1 seat. With his determination and the support of the Williams Academy, the young driver is poised to seize any opportunities that come his way.
Photo from Franco Colapinto Instagram
