Williams and Alpine have finalised an agreement that sees Franco Colapinto join the French outfit on a multi-year deal. The Argentine driver, who impressed during his time with Williams last season, will serve as Alpine’s test and reserve driver for 2025.

This move also positions him as the team’s immediate backup for Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, with the potential to step into a race seat if needed or if the team opts for a change in its driver lineup.

Colapinto’s departure from Williams comes after a promising but brief stint with the team, where he stepped in for Logan Sargeant before the Italian Grand Prix. Over nine races, he earned two points finishes and showed great potential. However, Williams’ signing of Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon earlier in 2024 left no room for Colapinto in their main lineup for the 2025 season.

Team principal James Vowles admitted that while Colapinto had impressed, his future opportunities at Williams would be limited due to their strong driver pairing.

He was also open about willing to negotiate with a rival team, believing that Alpine, who showed interest Colapinto, could offer the Argentine a better chance to develop and return to a full-time F1 seat.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025," said Vowles.

"Over nine memorable races with Williams, he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1, and we always said we would support him to get one.

"Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in Alex and Carlos, so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.

"The Williams Racing Driver Academy exists to discover and develop the F1 stars of the future, which is exactly what it has done in Franco’s case and builds on our long tradition of giving talented young drivers their break at the top level of motorsport.

"We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track."