Williams explain reason for Colapinto exit

James Vowles has revealed why he has allowed rising star Franco Colapinto to leave Williams and take up the same role with an F1 rival.

Williams and Alpine have reached an agreement that has resulted in Colapinto signing a multi-year contract with the French team. He will serve as one of its test and reserve drivers for 2025.

With nine grands prix under his belt with Williams last year after replacing the axed Logan Sargeant at Williams, Colapinto will be Alpine's first port of call should Pierre Gasly or Jack Doohan be unable to drive, or if the team opts for a driver change.

Although Colapinto would have reverted to a test and reserve role with Williams this year, given its line-up of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, Vowles' faith in those two drivers for the years ahead means he felt the 21-year-old Argentine was hamstrung for the future.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025," stated Vowles.

"Over nine memorable races with Williams, he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1, and we always said we would support him to get one.

"Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in Alex and Carlos, so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.

"The Williams Racing Driver Academy exists to discover and develop the F1 stars of the future, which is exactly what it has done in Franco’s case and builds on our long tradition of giving talented young drivers their break at the top level of motorsport.

"We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track."