The start of the Formula 1 World Championship is creating unexpected movements on the grid. The situation of Liam Lawson at Red Bull could place Franco Colapinto on the grid of the 20 Formula 1 drivers. The young Argentine is now a reserve driver for Alpine, but he may be transferred by this team to Racing Bulls, where he would replace Yuki Tsunoda if this driver is promoted to Red Bull in Lawson’s place.
Colapinto could return to F1 in Japan
The disastrous performances of Liam Lawson have led Red Bull to consider replacing him with another driver. If the measures that are being talked about in all the F1 backrooms are taken, it would be Yuki Tsunoda who would occupy the seat of Red Bull, leaving the Racing Bulls vacant. Although at first there was talk that Lawson could join the Austrian brand’s “subsidiary” team, Franco Colapinto could be chosen for the Japanese Grand Prix, which will be held in two weeks’ time, on the first weekend in April.
The Argentinean driver already had the opportunity to show his talent in F1, albeit briefly, last season, when he had the chance to take part in nine races with Williams Formula One Team as a substitute for Logan Sargeant. His talent, the media attention he receives and, above all, his financial possibilities have meant that many teams have maintained their interest in signing him. In this context, Red Bull Racing believes that the Argentinian could be a good option for their team during the current season.
Red Bull’s challenge: negotiating for Colapinto
For this manoeuvre to be carried out, Red Bull will be forced to reach an agreement with Alpine, the team with which Colapinto has a contract as a reserve driver. Alpine opted for Jack Doohan for this same season, although his hesitant start to the year suggested that Colapinto could have an option with the French team, as long as Doohan did not improve his driving.
However, this opportunity could present itself sooner than expected, and in another team. For this to happen, Red Bull would have to reach an agreement with Alpine that would allow for the transfer of Colapinto without disrupting the structure of the French team. It would also need the approval of Williams, as the Argentine was linked to them the previous season.
Colapinto and the possibility of consolidating his position in F1
In the event that the agreement between the teams materializes, Colapinto will have a new opportunity to show his quality in the highest category of motor racing. His time at Williams left a very good impression, and the large number of his followers could make him a good or great asset for Racing Bulls.
Another aspect to bear in mind for the Argentine driver is that he could consolidate his position on the grid and open the door to a guaranteed future in Formula 1. Taking into account that there are always changes in the usual Red Bull line-up and that opportunities can arise during the year itself, Colapinto could change his role from reserve driver to one of the big bets.
The F1 and Red Bull earthquake is more active than ever, and Franco Colapinto could become one of the big beneficiaries. Now we just need official confirmation and to know if the Argentine will be back in action on the tracks of Japan.