Williams Racing is reportedly negotiating with Sauber/Audi for a potential loan arrangement that could secure rising star Franco Colapinto a spot in Formula 1 for the 2025 season. Colapinto, who was called up to replace Logan Sargeant after his disappointing performance this season, has been a standout in the nine races he’s competed in, including scoring his first F1 points with an eighth-place finish in Baku.
Despite his strong debut, Colapinto won’t secure a full-time seat at Williams in 2024, as the team has already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon. However, the young Argentine could remain on the F1 grid if a deal with Sauber/Audi is finalized. Williams team principal James Vowles revealed that discussions are ongoing for a two-season loan, potentially allowing Colapinto to compete for Sauber under the Audi banner.
“So, Franco will always be a part of the academy in our programme, irrespective, anyway,” Vowles explained in a Q&A with the Wall Street Journal. “What he will be next year is if Audi doesn’t take him—and for transparency, we are in conversations to see if that is a route for him—where he could be on the grid with them for two years.”
The situation remains fluid, as Sauber is expected to renew Valtteri Bottas‘ contract for 2025, leaving limited options for Colapinto at the Swiss team. Should the loan deal not materialize, Williams has plans in place to keep Colapinto race-ready by assigning him as the team’s reserve driver and having him undergo an intensive testing program in their older F1 cars.
“If he stays, we run a two-year-old car, which is pretty much the same specification as what we’re running now,” Vowles added. “He’d be running in that for thousands of kilometers to stay in shape, while working on future car developments and contributing in our simulator. He would also participate in other racing series to keep his competitive edge.”
As the F1 driver market remains dynamic, with frequent changes happening across teams, Vowles hinted that keeping a talent like Colapinto ready could prove invaluable. “I’ve learned that the F1 driver situation is never truly settled. It’s good for us, we’re signed, but I think next year you’re going to see more movement.”
Should Colapinto continue to perform, his chances of landing a full-time seat with a competitive team, either with Williams or elsewhere, appear bright.
