Williams’ boss, James Vowles, has expressed his support for Franco Colapinto, a driver loaned to the Alpine team, to excel amidst the team’s current situation.
Colapinto has taken Jack Doohan’s place in a rotating agreement that will cover at least five races.
Williams allowed Colapinto to join its rivals as a reserve driver in January, with the understanding that the Argentinian would gain racing experience in 2025.
His arrival coincided with the surprising departure of the team’s boss, Oliver Oakes, last week, with Flavio Briatore taking on that role.
When asked if he was worried that Colapinto might struggle in the Alpine environment, Vowles told reporters at the team’s headquarters on Tuesday: “I think there are two different things. Is it a turbulent time? Yes, undoubtedly. Will they be supportive of Pierre Gasly and Franco?”
“Yes, I think they will be too because they are still the elite athletes who drive for them in order to score as many points as possible. So what normally happens, even in a turbulent moment, is that you continue to support your drivers.”
“In fact, I think the learning is invaluable, whether on that team or somewhere else. First, it’s time on the track, second, it’s time in a difficult environment and if you get out of it, you’ll only be stronger as a result and Franco is strong.”
“So I think it’s still the right place for him at this stage.”
Colapinto stood out last year as a replacement for Logan Sargeant with several solid performances.
Vowles has backed him to do something similar in his new environment.
“There’s a reason why we were very happy to do a transaction with Alpine because I genuinely thought it’s his best opportunity to be in a race seat whether that’s in ’25 or we thought more specifically ’26. So that’s number 1. And I’m proud that he was part of our academy and that we have a responsibility towards why he’s on the grid today,” Vowles added.
“What you saw with us is that he caught up very quickly. I know he’s immensely fast, so I think that regardless of the deadline they’ve set, he’ll do a good job in that time period.”
