Despite making a strong impression during his mid-season F1 debut in 2024, Franco Colapinto was unable to secure a seat with Williams for 2025.

The Argentine driver replaced Logan Sargeant in the latter half of the season and delivered solid performances, scoring points in Azerbaijan and the United States. However, with Williams already committed to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon for the upcoming season, Colapinto had to look elsewhere for a race seat.

His future remains uncertain, but he has not been left without opportunities. Alpine signed Colapinto as a reserve driver on a multi-year deal, and speculation is already growing that he could replace Jack Doohan if the Australian fails to perform. Reports suggest that Doohan is on a five-race contract, leaving the door open for a mid-season driver change should Alpine deem it necessary.

Interestingly, Williams team principal James Vowles has now confirmed that Colapinto’s move to Alpine is more of a temporary arrangement than a permanent switch.

"The important part, the main thing is this, he is an Alpine driver for a number of years," he said quoted by RacingNews365.

"Their choice, fundamentally, is to choose what they want from that, and after that, I hope he comes back to Williams."

Vowles further clarified that while Colapinto’s immediate focus is on securing a race seat with Alpine, Williams ultimately intends to bring him back.

"There is a period of time where I hope he is racing for Alpine, and the reason we did it is that I really want him to be racing in 2025 or 2026, and this is the best chance he has without being with us," he explained.

"That period of time is not set in stone where I can look you in the eyes and say it, but I can say he'll be back at Williams at some point."