One of Franco Colapinto's managers has admitted that the young Argentinian driver had discussions with Red Bull before the choice was determined to place Liam Lawson alongside Sergio Pérez at Red Bull, and Isack Hadjar alongside Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls in 2025.
Ultimately, it was a determined Flavio Briatore at Alpine who allegedly paid the astronomical sum of $20 million to Williams for a five-year loan of the 21-year-old driver.
“He was the first interested party”said co-manager Maria Catarineu to the Corazon of F1. “Actually, more or less at the same time as Red Bull. »
“But Flavio said 'I want it, and I want it like this and like that'. But it was very complicated because there was Franco as the driver, his management company, Williams as Franco's team, and the other interested teams. But that's where it all started. And Flavio never lost his interest.”
Christian Horner, at Red Bull, finally decided not to pay to secure the services of Colapinto, particularly given the fact that he already had to continue paying Sergio Pérez for him to vacate his seat. Catarineu explains: “It is clear that Christian has shown interest in Franco. »
“It could have been for Red Bull as Max’s teammate [Verstappen]or for the second Red Bull team »she added. “And there were other teams too. But Christian wanted to know what the situation was at Williams and have a discussion with James (Vowles). »
-“Ultimately, the Red Bull route, for various reasons, could not be chosen. First of all, because Red Bull has a lot of elements, it has a very powerful academy with drivers who were already waiting and, well, it didn't work.
Finally, Catarineu again hinted that part of the new deal with Alpine could include the promise that Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan at some point in 2025.
“He is very, very happy,” she declared. “You have to know that until a few months ago, we didn't know if we were ever going to do Formula 1. And then the nine races with Williams arrived. »
“But there was also the uncertainty and his anxiety, because there was no place at Williams. And now he is happy. Very happy. »