The manager of Franco Colapinto has made a surprising revelation that the Argentine driver has only been loaned to Alpine from Williams - albeit for a remarkable five years.
Alpine proudly recently announced Colapinto as a test and reserve driver after Williams allowed the 21-year-old to leave. The team knew there was no opportunity for further progression after signing Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon.
After competing for Williams in the final nine grands prix of last season, the suggestion is Colapinto will return to the F1 grid sooner rather than later this year with Alpine.
Alpine promoted Jack Doohan to a race seat late last season after confirming earlier in the year Esteban Ocon would be released. It is understood the Australian only has a short-term contract and will be ousted if he fails to perform.
Colapinto's move to Alpine arose following a concerted pursuit from executive advisor Flavio Briatore, whose eye for driver talent is renowned after previously signing Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso when he was team principal at Benetton and Alpine, respectively.
"It took a while because negotiations are sometimes complex, as in this case," said María Catarineu, speaking to Infobae. "But Flavio was always very persistent and in the last few weeks he was very intense.
"The deal was reached because both parties got what they wanted: Flavio managed to hire Franco and James was able to give him the chance to race, since Williams' regular drivers have long-term contracts.
"Briatore saw Franco from the moment he made his debut in F1. The day we spoke for the first time, he told us, '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 in. He is a very interesting character, with a lot of personality, very passionate and very captivating.
"He always had Franco on his radar and wanted to have him at all costs."
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Colapinto could return to Williams
On the flip side, Colapinto's move was allowed to happen due to the honourable nature of Williams team principal James Vowles.
Catarineu added: "James is a very honest guy and he kept his word. He promised to find a place for Franco so he could race in F1. He always wanted Franco to have a place and he took care of it."
Vowles, however, has additionally opted to retain a degree of opportunity over Colapinto should he opt to make changes of his own in the future. Catarineu has confirmed that, "Williams loaned Franco to Alpine for five years".
She added: "I understand that if another team appears interested in Franco, within that period, I suppose it would be a negotiation between Alpine and the other team."
As to whether Colapinto would return to Williams at the end of the five years, she remarked: "It is a possibility, but between now and five years anything can happen."
One certain situation is that Catarineu, along with business partner Jamie Campbell-Walter, will continue to represent Colapinto, despite overtures from Briatore to do so.
"It is best for everyone that Jaime and I continue to be in charge of Franco and more so on a day-to-day basis," she said. "Obviously, Flavio will be aware of everything that happens. This is a team effort."
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