Franco Colapinto’s manager has revealed Red Bull had an interest in her client, but a deal which could’ve seen him partner Max Verstappen in Formula 1 “didn’t work out”.
Alpine announced earlier this month it had reached an agreement with Williams to acquire Colapinto, who has penned a long-term deal which will begin with a reserve role.
But while he will commence the 2025 campaign on the sidelines, Colapinto could have been racing with either Red Bull-backed squad in an alternative universe.
Having replaced the axed Logan Sargeant at Williams prior to last term’s Italian Grand Prix, Colapinto burst onto the scene with two points finishes in his first four outings.
The Argentine’s exploits came at a time when Red Bull was at a crossroads with Sergio Perez’s persistent struggles making his eventual departure appear a guarantee.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner was spotted visiting Williams’ hospitality unit in Brazil amid the Grove-based squad’s boss, James Vowles, stating that he was open to talks.
However, Colapinto enduring several shunts in the closing rounds prompted Red Bull’s interest to subside, with Liam Lawson being promoted once Perez’s exit was announced.
Maria Catarineu, Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, believes the in-house options available to Red Bull contributed to its interest in Colapinto subsiding.
“Clearly, Christian showed an interest in Franco,” Catarineu told Corazon de F1.
“It could have been for Red Bull as Max’s team-mate, or for the second Red Bull team.
“There were other teams too.
“But Christian wanted to know what the situation is with Williams and have a chat with James. Eventually, the Red Bull route, for different reasons, could not be.
“First, because Red Bull has many parts, it has a very powerful academy with drivers who were already waiting and, well, it didn’t work out.”
How Alpine’s interest emerged
Colapinto has still departed Williams, though, as he has gone to Alpine, with rumours circulating that he is being lined up to take Jack Doohan’s place on the F1 grid.
Catarineu divulged that the Enstone-based squad’s interest materialised at “more or less the same time as Red Bull”, a pursuit that Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore led.
“Flavio said ‘I want him, and I want him like this and like this.,” she recalled.
“But it was very complicated because there is Franco as a driver, his management company, there is Williams as Franco’s team, there are the interested other teams.
“But that’s where it started. And Flavio never lost his interest.”
Colapinto relieved to secure Alpine role
Colapinto’s initial role with Alpine will comprise dovetailing simulator work with a Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme in the Anglo-French marque’s previous cars.
“He is super, super happy,” Catarineu added. “You have to realise that just a few months ago we didn’t know if we were ever going to be in Formula 1.
“And then the nine races with Williams happened. But then again there was uncertainty and his anguish, because there is no place at Williams. And now he is happy. Very happy.”
READ MORE – Franco Colapinto’s manager discloses Alpine F1 contract length
