Alpine 'still the right place' for Colapinto despite team turmoil - Vowels

Franco Colapinto’s chance to race for Alpine during a turbulent time for the team could prove “invaluable” for his development, according to Williams team principal James Vowels.

Alpine announced the departure of team principal Oliver Oakes – who resigned with immediate effect – one day before confirming Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan as a race driver from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix onwards. Colapinto is still associated with Williams, and while Vowles acknowledges Alpine appears to be dealing with some off-track issues, he says the experience for Colapinto could be really beneficial as he tries to perform in that environment.

“Is [Alpine] in a turbulent time? Yes, no doubt about it,” Vowles said. “Will they be supportive to Pierre [Gasly] and Franco? Yes, I think they will as well, because they're still the elite athletes that are driving for them in order to score the most points you can.

“So what normally happens, even in a turbulent time, is you still support your drivers.

“I actually think the learning is invaluable, whether it's in that team or elsewhere. A, it's time on track. B, it's time in a difficult environment, and if you come out of it, you'll only be stronger as a result. And Franco is strong, so I think it's still the right place for him to be at this stage.”

Alpine’s announcement stated that Colapinto would get five races to prove himself before another driver evaluation period, and Vowles has no concerns over that timeframe given how quickly the Argentinian delivered for Williams as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant last year.

“I'd say the first thing is there's a reason why we were really happy to do a transaction with Alpine, because I really do think it's his best chance of being in a racing seat. Other than '25, we thought more specifically '26. So that's number one, and I'm proud he was part of our academy and that we have a responsibility towards why he's now on the grid today.

“What you saw with us is he got up to speed very quickly. I know he's immensely quick, so I think irrespective of whatever deadline they've set, he'll do a good job in that period of time.”