Williams team principal James Vowles has revealed he has spoken to more than one of the team's rivals as he “actively works” to get Franco Colapinto a Formula 1 drive next season.
Colapinto has impressed since he replaced Logan Sargeant from the Italian Grand Prix onwards and, in his five races so far, he has scored five points and never finished below 12th.
Despite his eye-catching performances, there is no room for him at Williams next season, with Alex Albon remaining and Carlos Sainz, who won the Mexican Grand Prix last time out, joining from Ferrari.
Speaking recently at an Autosport Business panel in Austin, Vowles said he wanted to see Colapinto on the grid in 2025 – even if it meant he was driving for a rival team that would take points away from Williams.
There are two empty seats remaining for next year, with RB and Sauber yet to firm up their driver line-ups and, with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner conceding Colapinto’s outings have been turning heads, Vowles has revealed talks have taken place with some teams over a possible move for the 21-year-old.
“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 Franco, that protects Franco as well and protects all parties,” said Vowles.
“It is never straightforward between Formula 1 teams, because you're fighting on track and you're trying to find a solution for a career of a young man.
“We are exploring possibilities with a number of teams that are interested at the moment and beyond there, it would be wrong to do anything more than speculate here. There's nothing to really communicate beyond that point.
“When there is I'll happily talk about it, because he's an exceptional driver, and I really mean that – go look outside, and there were tens of thousands of individuals here to support a driver that's been in our championship for five races.
“He's doing an outstanding job on track, and as I've said from the very beginning, earn your position and elements will come your way. But beyond there, I think especially when we look at the fact he's a 21-year-old, my responsibility is also towards him and making sure we do the right thing. I want to make sure that when we have news [we will] come to the world, but there really isn't much to talk about.”
The possibility of Colapinto being loaned to another team is something else that has been mooted in recent days, although that is something that Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko believes is a non-starter.
Vowles would not be drawn on whether a temporary switch away from Williams could be an option as he aims to do the best for both Colapinto and the Grove-based squad.
“It's the same conversation I just had,” he replied when asked if any deal would include a “bungee” back to Williams.
“In any circumstance, I want to make sure we understand what others are interested in and then we'll form our basis as to what's the best solution for everyone.
“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 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.”
