Williams risks losing promising F1 star due to Carlos Sainz
Williams Racing might miss out on one of the most exciting young talents due to Carlos Sainz's 2025 arrival.
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Franco Colapinto (via F1 Oversteer) and Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)
Williams made headlines after managing to sign Carlos Sainz for the 2024 F1 season. The Spanish driver ditched Audi’s mega-offer to join the Grove-based team. However, it seems that Sainz’s arrival could lead to a massive loss for James Vowles‘ squad.
Franco Colapinto made a shock F1 debut mid-way through 2024 to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams. The 21-year-old was aware that he just had a few races to showcase his talent with no seat at the team for next season.
Colapinto proved himself worthy of being at the pinnacle of motorsport from the get-go and has scored five points so far. The Argentine’s predecessor Logan Sargeant had scored a single point during his stay at Williams. Unfortunately, the Grove-based team has no seat available for its 21-year-old prodigy for the upcoming season.
Red Bull could poach Franco Colapinto for 2025
Red Bull Racing has a history of controversial driver moves. The Austrian team keeps an eye on young drivers across the paddock. Milton Keynes had even signed Mercedes-affiliated Nyck de Vries for 2023 at AlphaTauri (now RB). It is thus no surprise that Red Bull is reportedly interested in signing Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto could replace Liam Lawson at RB next season if Lawson takes over Sergio Perez‘s seat at Red Bull. However, so far Perez has insisted that he will be racing in 2025. This would provide the 21-year-old with an opportunity that Williams simply can’t give as it already has Carlos Sainz onboard.
The Argentine driver has impressed the entire paddock and even received sponsorship deals. If James Vowles had a vacant seat, Franco Colapinto could’ve been the perfect long-term driver. Unfortunately, Sainz’s arrival could inevitably force Williams to let go of its prodigy.
Reports have emerged that Williams is ready to break ties with the Argentine driver for a $20 million fee. This shows that Vowles does not want to jeopardize Colapinto’s career by ignoring an opportunity. However, the Williams boss is aware that there would be no going back if the 21-year-old joins the Austrian giant’s driver program.
Williams’ hands are tied due to its commitments with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Franco Colapinto could get a seat at the team in 2026 if James Vowles decides to sack Albon. However, it is unlikely that the Argentine would wait till then if he can make it to the grid next year.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2271 Articles Published)