The director of Williams, James Vowles, has backed his exprotiated Franco Colapinto to impress during his next stage of five races with Alpine, describing the young Argentine pilot as “immensely fast” and totally capable of paying under pressure.
Alpine announced last week that Colapinto would occupy the seat with Pierre Gasly for the Emilia-Romaña Grand Prix this weekend, while the current pilot Reserva, Jack Doohan, would retire.
This decision is part of the continuous evaluation that Estone’s team performs of its pilot alignment, with the aim of defining their future.
Colapint debuted in Formula 1 last year with Williams, replacing Logan Sarent in the Italy Grand Prix for the rest of the season.
During that time, he added points in two of his first four races, calling attention to both the team’s directors and the fans for his serene driving and his natural speed.
Without space in Williams beyond 2024, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz insured for 2025 and 2026, Vowles helped plan a transfer to Alpine that placed Colapint in a better position to get a full -time F1 seat. Now, that opportunity has arrived earlier than expected.
“There is a reason why we were so happy to close the transaction with Alpine: I really thought it was his best opportunity to be in a pilot post, either in 2025 or, more specifically, in 2026,” Vowles explained at Williams headquarters.
“I am proud that you have been part of our academy and that we have the responsibility that it is now on the grill.”
“It adapted very fast”
Vowles expressed full confidence in the capacity of the 21 -year -old to leave a mark on Alpine during what could be a decisive five racing evidence.
“What they saw with us is that he adapted very fast. I know it is incredibly fast, so I think, regardless of the deadline they have set, he will do a good job in that period,” said Williams director.
Colapint’s opportunity comes at a critical moment for Alpine, which has recently experienced leadership changes after the resignation of the team director, Oliver Oakes.
The executive advisor Flavio Briatore has assumed the supervision of the operations. Even so, Vowles believes that the team will continue to provide support where it matters most.
“Are we in a turbulent moment? Yes, no doubt,” he admitted.
Will Pierre and Franco support? Yes, I think too, because they are still the elite athletes that compete for them to add as many points as possible.
What normally occurs, even in turbulent times, is that one continues to support its pilots.
The ideal place
Even in Alpine’s complex context, Vowles sees the challenging team environment as a growth platform.
“In fact, I think that learning is invaluable, either in that team or anywhere else,” he said.
“A, it’s time to be on the track; B, it’s time for a difficult environment, and if you go from there, you’ll only be stronger. Franco is stronger, so I think he is still the ideal place for him at this stage.”
While Alpine seeks to overcome from the ninth place in the Construction Championship, all eyes will be put in Icola this weekend to see how he is going to the Argentine rookie.
But for Vowles, who observes from the Williams boxes wall, it will be a moment of pride: the opportunity to see a pilot who formed to get on the podium of the F1 and show that he belongs to the elite of the sport.
