Williams Racing is facing a difficult decision as Carlos Sainz’s 2025 arrival could force them to let go of one of the sport’s brightest young talents, Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver, who made an impressive mid-season debut in 2024 to replace Logan Sargeant, quickly proved he belonged in Formula 1, scoring five points in his brief stint. Yet, despite his success, Colapinto might be on the way out, as the Grove-based team finds itself with no seat available for him next year.
Williams secured Sainz for 2025 after the Spanish driver chose them over a lucrative offer from Audi. But the move complicates Colapinto’s future, as Williams is already committed to Sainz and another driver, leaving no space for their promising 21-year-old prodigy. As Williams hesitates, Red Bull Racing is reportedly eyeing Colapinto for a potential role, given their reputation for swift, sometimes controversial driver moves. Red Bull’s interest could be a game-changer, potentially slotting Colapinto into their AlphaTauri (now RB) team if Liam Lawson steps up to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
While Perez insists he’ll be racing with Red Bull in 2025, the ongoing speculation creates a window of opportunity that Williams simply can’t offer. The Grove-based team reportedly might be willing to release Colapinto for a $20 million fee, acknowledging the young driver’s potential and giving him the chance to take his career to the next level.
James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, faces a dilemma: while Colapinto could be a long-term asset, the team’s current commitments leave him little room. Though Colapinto might have a chance to return to Williams in 2026 if Albon’s contract isn’t renewed, the Argentine is unlikely to wait that long when a Red Bull offer could put him on the grid as soon as next season.
As Williams navigates the repercussions of Sainz’s arrival, the question remains—can they afford to let Franco Colapinto slip through their fingers? For a team rebuilding its legacy, losing a future star to a rival might be a costly sacrifice.
