P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Franco Colapinto will move to Alpine for the 2025 F1 season, RacingNews365 understands, in what will initially be a reserve and third driver role.
Franco Colapinto is on the verge of joining Alpine, despite the team confirming Ryo Hirakawa as its reserve and test driver. The move is imminent, and Colapinto would be coming on board as a third driver. Depending on Gasly and Doohan’s performances, there’s a chance of a promotion for Colapinto, according to Flavio Briatore, the team advisor. Alpine has recently added Ryo Hirakawa to their roster, who will participate in FP1 at his home Grand Prix in 2025. Williams, on the other hand, will be losing Colapinto to Alpine for a similar role, which might impact their sponsorship deals. It’s likely that Alpine will have to pay to release Colapinto from his Williams contract, which is unusual for a reserve driver. Despite initial interest from Red Bull, no move transpired, but Colapinto’s value is still significant, possibly around $20 million.
