Franco Colapinto is the sensation of this end of the season and perhaps the last key in the transfer market.
Perhaps coveted by Audi F1, perhaps even by Red Bull, James Vowles, director of the Williams team, had to take stock at a press conference today in Sao Paulo on the various rumors.
And he confirmed that he was working towards a future in F1 from 2025 for the Argentinian.
“The best I can tell you is that we are actively working with interested teams to try to find the right arrangement that helps Franco, that protects Franco as well and protects all parties.”
“It’s never easy between Formula 1 teams, because you’re fighting on the track and trying to find a solution for a young man’s career.”
“We are exploring possibilities with a number of teams who are interested at the moment and beyond, it would be wrong to do anything other than speculate here. There is nothing to really communicate beyond this point. “
“When there is, I will talk about it with pleasure, because he is an exceptional driver, and I really mean that. Look outside, and there were tens of thousands of people here to support a driver who is in our championship for five races.”
“He does an outstanding job on the track, and like I said from the beginning, earn your place and the elements will come to you. But beyond that, I think especially when you look at the fact that he is 21 years, my responsibility is also to him and to make sure that we do the right thing I also want to make sure that when we have news, we let the world know, but there's really no big-. something to say so it must also be protected from speculation.”
Vowles would not say whether a loan of the driver or a sale of the contract to another team were options that were both being considered.
“It's the same conversation I just had. Either way, I want to make sure we understand what other people care about and then we'll lay our foundation for what's the best solution for everyone. “
“He's earning his place. He has to do more to continue to earn his place due to events, but he's shining, and that's why teams are interested in him and Williams, and it's our responsibility in that regard , because I have a responsibility to both him and Williams, and I hope we have some good news that we can tell everyone about, but that's not possible today.”
Christian Horner was still in his hospitality today. Should we see this as a sign that things are moving forward?
“Oh no, we just signed a new partner for our coffee and he came to test it,” smiled Vowles.
Vowles is optimistic that a decision on Colapinto's prospects will be made before the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi in early December.
“This kind of thing is always difficult to do because several teams are talking together. But I'm sure we will have managed to do it before the last race of the season, but it's really difficult for me to determine where the moment is between these two deadlines.
