Another potential route for Franco Colapinto to stay on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 is emerging.
Recently, Williams boss James Vowles — who holds a firm contract with the Argentine rookie, though without an available race seat for next year — attempted to loan Colapinto to Audi-Sauber for 2025. However, it's believed that deal has fallen through.
Now, renewed rumours suggest that Sergio Perez may lose his seat at Red Bull Racing, which could see one of the current RB drivers moving up to fill the void.
As a result, Colapinto, 21, is being linked to a possible role within the Red Bull-owned junior team.
Earlier in October, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko cited Colapinto as a prime example of a young driver demonstrating his readiness for Formula 1.
"Oliver Bearman and especially Franco Colapinto have shown this year that youngsters are ready for the step up and that the old philosophy of some team bosses that you can only promote drivers to a top team with three or four years of experience is outdated," he told Speed Week.
Dutch motorsport figure Tom Coronel hinted that he has insider knowledge regarding Colapinto's next move within Formula 1.
"He has nothing (for 2025) yet," Coronel told Viaplay.
When asked if Audi-Sauber could still be an option for Colapinto, Coronel replied simply, "No." When further pressed on whether he knows something that hasn't been made public, Coronel responded, "Yes."
"But I'm not going to say it. It's true, but I'm not going to say it," he added.
Coronel revealed that Colapinto's manager is his former racing teammate, most likely referring to Jamie Campbell-Walter. "I have contact with him every now and then," he said. "Suddenly a light went on, because he asked for the phone number of a team boss in Formula 1. I didn't think much of it at the time, and I'm not going to say who it is because I keep some things to myself."
Colapinto's path is being buoyed by growing Argentine commercial backing, with companies like Globant — not only a Williams sponsor but also a global partner of Formula 1 — firmly in his corner.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also highlighted Argentina's increasing involvement, hinting at a potential return of the country to the Formula 1 calendar.
"I really hope it comes to fruition," Domenicali said. "What they are doing for their country, and what Franco is doing, is great for Argentina and the possibility of South America hosting a third grand prix alongside Mexico and Brazil."
Globant CEO Martin Migoya echoed that optimism: "All the stars are aligning. We reached the agreement with Formula 1, and then Franco moved to F1, which is extremely important for us." body check tags ::
