This is a major announcement. Alpine confirmed this Thursday an increasingly persistent rumor concerning the arrival of Franco Colapinto. Sub-contracted with Williams and considered one of the most promising prospects in Formula 1, the Argentinian was released from his commitments and joined the Renault Group team with a collaboration spread over several years. If he is now named Reserve and test driver, he could be established as early as 2025. Alpine also announces the signing of Ryō Hirakawa.
Propelled as holder in 2024 after the ouster of Logan Sargeant, Franco Colapinto has made a strong impression. Able to match his experienced teammate Alexander Albon and score his first points, the Argentinian quickly aroused the interest of the paddock. Red Bull in particular inquired about a signing, especially since Williams had no starting seat to offer him for 2025. A few errors, however, cooled the red bull, but not Alpine.
The French team will have a duo composed of Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan in 2025. The latter, a member of the A fléché academy, debuted during the last Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If his technical contribution is appreciated, his performance did not impress. Flavio Briatore will respect his commitment to keep him there for the start of the 2025 season, but it is said that his contract only covers a few races. The signing of Franco Colapinto opens up prospects.
The Argentinian will put enormous pressure on the Australian. Alpine’s intention is clear. From the start, she has never hidden her interest in this talented young driver, considered by some to be one of the rising stars of Formula 1. His nationality also arouses envy, with many partners ready to invest while for Renault, Argentina is a very important market.
There is no doubt that if Jack Doohan does not deliver the expected performance, he will very quickly be replaced by Franco Colapinto. Moreover, an agreement for several seasons has been signed, this shows Alpine’s ambition around this driver. Flavio Briatore has always liked to build his teams around a young, great prospect. There was Michael Schumacher then Fernando Alonso. Is the Argentinian next? In the ranks of Enstone and Boulogne-Billancourt, we hope so.
“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto”proudly asserts Flavio Briatore. “Clearly, Franco is one of the best prospects in motorsport at the moment. It’s fair to say that he surprised a lot of people, including me, when he appeared on the Formula 1 grid last year. His performances have been very impressive for a debutant. We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have an excellent pool of young drivers who we can rely on and work with to develop the team for future success. “
“I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to join Alpine”says Franco Colapinto. “It is now time to write a new chapter, and taking on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is a true honor. A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo]Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] to believe in me and welcome me into the team with open arms. I can’t wait to get started and see where this adventure takes us. “
In parallel with the arrival of the Argentinian, Alpine also announces the signing of a major driver from Toyota’s Endurance program, Ryō Hirakawa. The Japanese, already linked to McLaren and Haas in the past, will work mainly on the simulator, and brings with him enormous racing experience. He also has the status of Reservice pilot and tester. Note that he will take the wheel of the future A525 during its national event, in Japan.
“It is an honor to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season”affirms Ryō Hirakawa. “As always, the opportunity to spend time on track behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car represents the pinnacle for drivers. I am excited about the idea of driving in front of my home crowd during Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, but also to work with the team to test old cars, working with a team so committed to exploiting the full range of experience of its drivers is a fantastic opportunity and I am looking forward to having a part to play. to make 2025 a positive year.
“It’s great to welcome Ryō to the team for 2025 and it will also be great to have him behind the wheel during FP1 in Japan, in front of his home crowd.”specifies Oliver Oakes. “His arrival brings a diverse cross-section of experience to our current group of drivers whilst broadening the talent pool available to us throughout the season. His role will be important in supporting the team in different areas of development through our TPC program and our work at the simulator so we look forward to welcoming him as we continue our preparations for the new season.
It is interesting to note the presence of Flavio Briatore in Franco Colapinto’s press release, and that of Oliver Oakes for Ryō Hirakawa. Proof of this is the importance of the signature of the first city, and the investment made to achieve it. Moreover, it should be noted that no financial amount nor the exact duration of the contract has been communicated.
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