Franco Colapinto, the Argentine newcomer who made waves this season with Williams, has definitively shut down speculation linking him to a 2025 move to Red Bull. Colapinto, brought in mid-season to replace Logan Sargeant, quickly showed his mettle alongside veteran Alex Albon, scoring his first points in Baku and placing within the top 10 in Austin. However, with Carlos Sainz set to join Williams in 2025, Colapinto finds himself without a seat for the next season.
Rumors of a potential Red Bull move began circulating last weekend in Mexico, as Italian media suggested that an offer might be in the works. Despite the buzz, Colapinto remains clear that his future lies elsewhere. “At the moment, I don’t understand much of what they are talking about. I don’t know where it came from,” he told F1 TV. “I don’t have any seat for next year… I’m probably going to be racing somewhere else.”
The Williams prodigy appears set on securing a long-term future in Formula 1, eyeing a return in 2026 or 2027. His boss, James Vowles, has made it clear that Williams wants to keep him in their long-term plans. “He has earned his place on the grid, and what we want to help with is finding him a place in that regard,” Vowles said, emphasizing that Colapinto’s rapid adaptation has proven he’s ready for a future F1 return.
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko acknowledged that Williams’ grip on Colapinto complicates any potential loan. “The problem with him is that he has a long-term contract with Williams,” Marko explained. “Taking him on loan is not interesting for any team. You do not want to train a driver for another team.”
As it stands, Colapinto will likely be out of F1 next season. Still, he’s determined to prove his worth and make a lasting impact. “I hope to be showing that I deserve a seat here enough to come back in ’26 or ’27,” he stated, doubling down on his intent to stay F1-bound.