Williams Team Principal James Vowles has expressed his willingness to collaborate with Audi to help rising star Franco Colapinto secure a permanent Formula 1 seat for the 2025 season. The young Argentine driver, drafted in by Williams as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant, has quickly made a strong impression on the F1 stage.
After being plucked from his rookie Formula 2 campaign, Colapinto has been given nine rounds to showcase his talent at the pinnacle of motorsport. In just two races, he has exceeded expectations—moving from 18th on the grid to 12th in his F1 debut at Monza and scoring points last weekend at the Azerbaijan GP.
“In two races he showed the world he’s deserving of a place in Formula 1,” Vowles told Motorsport.com. “You have to let good drivers race. We’ll see if we can find a way of working with Audi in that circumstance.”
Audi, set to complete its full takeover of Sauber in 2026, is looking to build a competitive driver lineup as it prepares for its F1 debut. Nico Hulkenberg is already confirmed for 2025, leaving one seat available, and Colapinto’s recent performances have fueled speculation that he could be in the mix for a spot with the German marque.
Williams, however, has already locked in its 2025 driver lineup with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Vowles, who has praised Colapinto’s rapid progress, remains open to the possibility of loaning the young driver to Audi, while keeping him within the Williams family.
“I’m incredibly proud, like a father, of what Franco’s achieved. The right way of having him back here in Williams performing is making sure that he’s building his career,” Vowles explained.
Colapinto’s potential move to Audi puts him in competition with seasoned driver Valtteri Bottas and McLaren prospect Gabriel Bortoleto for the second Sauber seat. Bortoleto, who currently leads the F2 standings, has been granted permission by McLaren to hold talks with Sauber/Audi, further intensifying the fight for the coveted seat.
Williams’ willingness to facilitate Colapinto’s development, even if it means racing for a different team, reflects Vowles’ commitment to the young driver’s long-term success: “He will always be within the family, but that doesn’t mean he can’t race elsewhere,” Vowles said.
As the 2025 F1 grid begins to take shape, all eyes are on Colapinto as he continues to prove himself a force to be reckoned with in the world of Formula 1.
