(Photo credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
Alpine signed Argentina’s Franco Colapinto to a multi-year deal Thursday as a check and reserve driver for the upcoming season, placing the 21-year-old nearer to a full-time journey.
The crew additionally introduced that Ryo Hirakawa of Japan additionally will serve in a check and reserve driver position in 2025.
Colapinto raised his profile in 2024 with Williams as a alternative driver for Logan Sargeant of the United States. He earned factors in two of his first 4 races with Williams earlier than he was concerned in crashes at Sao Paulo and Qatar towards the tip of the just-completed season.
Colapinto and Hirakawa are set to again up Williams’ full-time drivers Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan.
With Colapinto ready within the wings, Doohan’s spot may very well be in jeopardy if he doesn’t ship early outcomes.
“Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with Alpine is truly an honor,” mentioned Colapinto, who raced 9 instances for Williams final season, beginning with a Twelfth-place end on the Italian Grand Prix on Sept. 1. “… I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us.”
Colapinto’s greatest end final season was eighth on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sept. 15.
–Field Level Media