Franco Colapinto’s manager has revealed her client has signed a five-year deal with Alpine which has guaranteed his new team control over his Formula 1 prospects.
Alpine announced last week that it had reached an agreement with Williams to acquire Colapinto, who will commence the upcoming season in a reserve driver role.
Having replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams prior to the Italian Grand Prix last term, Colapinto garnered attention when he scored points twice in his first four races.
Colapinto instant impression prompted Red Bull to hold discussions over a move until several shunts late in the season witnessed it elect to go with in-house options.
However, Alpine’s interest didn’t subside and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore headed a pursuit which culminated with Williams agreeing to release Colapinto to a rival.
Maria Catarineu, Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, has explained how Briatore’s unwavering desire to sign Colapinto was central to the breakthrough.
“It took a long time because negotiations are sometimes complex, as in this case. But Flavio was always very persistent and in the last few weeks he was very intense,” she told the Argentinian publication Infobae.
“The agreement came about because both parties got what they wanted – Flavio was able to sign Franco and [Williams boss] James [Vowles] was able to give him the chance to race, because at Williams their regular drivers are on long-term contracts.”
Briatore wanted to manage Colapinto
Catarineu claimed Briatore became obsessed with bringing Colapinto to Alpine the moment he stacked up well against an established Alex Albon in his maiden outing.
“Briatore has seen Franco since he made his F1 debut,” she highlighted. “The day we first chatted he said: ‘I’ve seen talent and I want him’.
“He followed all the races closely and how he evolved as an F1 driver in the nine Grands Prix he was able to race.”
According to Catarineu, Briatore’s “at all costs” attitude even led him to want to become Colapinto’s manager, though that is something that didn’t materialise in the end.
“It’s the best thing for everyone that Jamie [Campbell-Walter] and I are still in charge of Franco and more on a day-to-day basis,” she added.
“Obviously Flavio will be aware of everything that happens. This is teamwork.”
Colapinto’s Alpine contract date revealed
Alpine’s press release communicated that Colapinto is on a multi-term deal, but Catarineu has implied that he has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until 2029.
“Williams gave Franco to Alpine for five years,” she divulged.
Catarineu also appears to have dismissed there being a loan arrangement between Williams and Alpine, signalling that the latter will deal with potential future suitors.
“I understand that, if another team appears interested in Franco, within that period, I guess it would be a negotiation between Alpine and the other team,” she continued.
Colapinto’s move has prompted rumours that he is being readied to replace Jack Doohan in Alpine’s driver line-up should the Australian struggle in his rookie season.
Asked whether she believes that Colapinto will be granted the chance to return to the F1 grid with Alpine, Catarineu answered coyly: “I’m not going to say what I feel.”
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