James Vowles Supports Franco Colapinto at Alpine
Williams’ boss, James Vowles, has expressed his confidence in loaned driver Franco Colapinto, who is at a crucial moment with the Alpine team. Colapinto replaces Jack Doohan in a rotating agreement that will span 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.
The arrival of Colapinto coincides with the unexpected departure of team boss Oliver Oakes last week, and the arrival of Flavio Briatore to take that position.
I think there are two different things. Is it a turbulent moment? Yes, absolutely. Will they support Pierre [Gasly] and Franco?
James Vowles
Vowles, when asked if he was worried that Colapinto might struggle in the Alpine environment, responded to reporters at the team’s base in Grobe on Tuesday.
Vowles added that he believes learning is invaluable, whether in that team or another. He considers that time on the track and in a difficult environment will only strengthen Colapinto.
Colapinto stood out as a replacement for Logan Sargeant last year, with several solid performances. Vowles is confident that he will achieve something similar in his new environment.
Vowles added: “There’s a reason why we were very happy to do a transaction with Alpine because I genuinely thought it was his best opportunity to be in a race seat, whether that be in ’25 or, we thought, more specifically ’26. I’m proud that he was part of our academy and that we have a responsibility for why he’s on the grid today.”
“What they 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 have set, he will do a good job in that period of time.”
