Despite those remarks, everything indicates that Colapinto will remain with the Enstone team in 2026, a season in which the team expects to make a competitive leap with the switch from Renault to Mercedes engines.
James Vowles, sporting director of the British team, highlighted the Argentine's talent and contrasted it with Flavio Briatore's criticism
Despite those remarks, everything indicates that Colapinto will remain with the Enstone team in 2026, a season in which the team expects to make a competitive leap with the switch from Renault to Mercedes engines.
James Vowles, current sporting director of Williams and one of the main people responsible for Franco Colapinto's arrival in Formula 1 in 2024, spoke again about the young man from Pilar and took the opportunity to send a veiled message to Alpine, the team that has him under contract.
"He performs even when he doesn't have the right systems," he said in a conversation with Telemétrico, referring to the low level of the French single-seater, considered the least competitive on the grid.
The Briton, who keeps a close relationship with Colapinto, did not hold back on praise: "So much natural talent. Even with little time in the car and without the necessary tools, he performs. He does it with Argentine passion, that's what I like about him."
Vowles's words differ from recent statements by Flavio Briatore, sporting director of Alpine, who had questioned the Argentine's performance.
In the short term, Colapinto's next challenge will be the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where in 2024 he achieved his best result so far: eighth place and four points. In the current season, he has not yet managed to score any points after nine races.
In an interview with AFP, Briatore revealed that the decision on who will partner Pierre Gasly, recently renewed until 2028, will be made at the end of October.
"The team needs stability and keeping the same drivers is part of that stability. For now, we haven't decided, but under normal circumstances, that means keeping both," said the Italian executive, leaving the door open for Colapinto to continue as a starter.