In a significant development within the Formula 1 driver market, Williams Racing has set a substantial price tag of €20 million for the release of Franco Colapinto to Red Bull.
This decision follows the Argentine driver’s impressive performances since his debut in September, where he replaced Logan Sargeant and quickly made a name for himself by scoring points in just his second race.
The interest from Red Bull particularly as they consider potential replacements for Sergio Perez as well as junior team VCARB if need be, has intensified discussions about Franco Colapinto’s future in F1.
Colapinto’s rise through the ranks has not gone unnoticed. His remarkable performance at the Baku street circuit, where he finished in the points, and a commendable 10th place at the United States Grand Prix have garnered him considerable attention from top teams.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was recently spotted at Williams’ hospitality unit during the Brazilian Grand Prix, indicating that serious discussions were underway regarding a potential transfer.
However, according to a report published by La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy, Williams’ is demanding a hefty price for Colapinto to be released from his contract with the Grove-based outfit requesting a €20 million payment.
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Christian Horner has hinted the desire to sign Franco Colapinto to Red Bull after praising abilities, likening his impact at Williams to that of other rising stars such as Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman.
“I think it’s great to see these juniors doing a great job,” Horner said at Sao Paulo GP last weekend. “We’ve got Liam Lawson obviously in the VCARB doing a really good job. Oliver Bearman should get a shoutout today because he was impressive.
“I think Franco, again, is a kid that’s doing really, really well. Of course, you’re always keeping an eye on the driver market and I think Franco definitely has got the qualities to be a potential star of the future.”
As discussions continue between Red Bull and Williams, Vowles has reiterated his commitment to finding an arrangement that benefits all parties involved. He acknowledged the complexities of negotiating between rival teams while also prioritizing Colapinto’s career development.
“The best I can really tell you is we’re actively working with teams that are interested to try and find the right arrangement that helps and protects Franco Colapinto as well as all parties,” Vowles said.
“So it’s very much in those lines. It’s the same concept behind it. It’s never straightforward between Formula 1 teams, because you’re fighting on track and you’re trying to find a solution for the career of a young man, but he’s earning his place.
“He needs to do more on track to keep earning his place as a result of things, but he’s shining and that’s why there’s interest from teams and our responsibility in that, as I have a responsibility both towards him and Williams, and hopefully, we’ll have some great news to be able to talk to everyone about.
“But today, that isn’t available. These sorts of things are always hard to do because you’re talking about multiple teams talking together.
“But it’ll be something that I’m confident before the last race of the season we’ll have nailed. It’s really hard for me to pinpoint where in between those two timelines.”
Williams does not want its top talent to leave for nothing, but with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon committed, it cannot offer a 2025 race seat. On the other hand, Red Bull is reportedly able to pay the $20 million the team is requesting.
Given Franco Colapinto’s extensive commercial support, Milton Keynes may be able to “finance” the cost by partnering with his Argentine sponsors. However, it is uncertain if Red Bull wants to pay as much as Williams is requesting for a rookie driver.
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