What was rumoured has become a sensational reality. Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto as the team’s 2025 reserve driver.

The Argentine made his F1 debut with Williams last year, stepping in as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant, and now joins Alpine on a multi-year deal. This move further adds to Alpine’s lineup after the team also announced Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve and test driver earlier in the day and Paul Aron at the end of last year.

Colapinto’s rise to Formula 1 was unexpected but impressive. He was called up by Williams during the Italian Grand Prix weekend after Sargeant’s inconsistent performances and costly crashes.

He had been racing in Formula 2 and achieved his first win earlier in the year, adapted quickly to the demands of F1. In just his second race, he reached Q3 and scored points in Azerbaijan, followed by another point at the United States Grand Prix.

However, his season wasn’t without challenges. Crashes in Sao Paulo and Las Vegas, combined with Williams’ limited resources, meant the team chose not to retain him for 2024. Despite this, Colapinto’s performances caught the eye of several teams, with Alpine ultimately securing his services.

His move to Alpine also comes with a surge of support from Argentine and Latin American sponsors, as he became a national sensation during his brief stint at Williams.

With Alpine’s rookie Jack Doohan under pressure to perform, Colapinto’s presence adds further competition within the team. For Doohan, the stakes are particularly high, knowing that Colapinto is waiting in the wings, ready to step up if needed.