Vowles Hints at Audi-Sauber Seat for Colapinto in 2025
Sep.17 - James Vowles admits Audi-owned Sauber might indeed be an option for the impressive rookie Franco Colapinto for 2025.
Argentine Colapinto, 21, has impressed the Formula 1 paddock with his immediate pace and success since stepping into the axed Logan Sargeant's Williams from Monza.
However, Carlos Sainz will take over the race seat for 2025 and beyond.
"I still think Alex (Albon) and Carlos is the right line-up for Williams," said team boss Vowles, "as we continue to grow and aim to fight for the title.
"Nevertheless, I am incredibly proud of what Franco has achieved already."
Colapinto is the cream of Williams' driver development program, and so if he becomes a contender to be Nico Hulkenberg's Audi-Sauber teammate next year, it will firstly require a deal with Vowles.
"Of course he will remain part of the Williams family," Vowles insists. "But I also hope he can continue to race somewhere - ideally in Formula 1.
"Realistically, there is only one seat left," he added, referring to Sauber. "We will see what we can do there with Audi and whether we can find a way to work together."
So fresh is Colapinto to F1 that Lewis Hamilton wanted to compliment the rookie by name after his points-scoring finish in Baku - but the seven time world champion forgot his name.
After also praising Oliver Bearman, Hamilton told a reporter: "I don't remember the other kid's name. Uh, in a Williams. Cap...? Colapinto," he added, when prompted.
"He did a great job this weekend as well. I have to say that it's nice to see so many young, talented drivers coming through."
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Another bright young talent who deserves a seat in F1 on ability!
Not that it counts, but he has my vote for a more permanent seat for 2025 ~ and Audi has a vacancy. Let's hope he gets the nod!
James Vowles can say what he wants, but ultimately he doesn't speak on behalf of Audi, or Sauber, & again, too many names for everyone to be realistic & too late for Colapinto anymore.
Besides, Bottas said on the pre-event Thursday that he's 99% confident & that he'll 'most likely' continue, so perhaps he'll indeed stay put, after all.
People really should calm down & stop milking everything or making up everything possible for clickbait purposes.
How is it too late
Because Bottas is very close to signing, with everything clear within next week in all likelihood, not to mention nothing concrete has even started with Colapinto, given how recently anyone even named him as a mere suggestion.
One good thing about living in a democratic society is that everyone is free to speak their own opinion. Even if you don't agree with others, you have the right to express your own opinion. Just because someone doesn't agree with what is said, doesn't mean it is wrong!
Bottas is quoted as saying: ""Fake news, that's what you can say about that," he told Viaplay after qualifying in Singapore. "Nothing is signed."
Things happen fast in F1, and Franco Colapinto is one of them!
What he said to Viaplay wasn't quite like that, though, but more akin to things getting solved soon.
Still, he's definitely far into the process, & thus close to re-signing based on all indications.