F1 BOMBSHELL! 🏎️HORNER WANTS COLAPINTO TO JOIN RED BULL IN 2026 AND PROPOSES A $150 MILLION CONTRACT THAT SHAKES F1 TO THE hilt…
Formula 1 is in turmoil following a rumor sweeping the paddock: Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has reportedly set his sights on young Argentinian talent Franco Colapinto to join the team in 2026, offering a staggering $150 million contract. This proposal, which has yet to be officially confirmed, represents a strategic move that could redefine the future of the team and the top flight of motorsport.
Colapinto, 21, burst onto the scene in F1 in 2024 with Williams, replacing Logan Sargeant at the Italian Grand Prix. His impact was immediate: he scored points in Baku and Austin, demonstrating speed, maturity, and charisma. Despite not having a seat secured for 2025 due to the arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams, his talent did not go unnoticed. Red Bull, known for its nose for promising talent, appears willing to make a strong bet on the Argentine.
According to sources close to the team, Horner sees Colapinto not only as a competitive driver, but also as a commercial asset to expand Red Bull’s presence in Latin America. The Argentine’s popularity, especially in his home country and in the region, could attract new sponsors, such as Claro, and strengthen the brand’s image in a growing market. This move also comes at a time of uncertainty regarding the future of Sergio Pérez, whose contract with Red Bull expires in 2026 and whose continuity has been questioned after an uneven 2024 season.
The reported $150 million contract would include a long-term agreement, with performance incentives and bonuses for sporting and commercial results. However, the deal is not without challenges. Williams, which still has Colapinto under contract, would demand significant compensation to release him, with previous rumors suggesting a $20 million release clause. Furthermore, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has historically prioritized drivers from the junior program, such as Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, which could lead to internal tensions.
For his part, Colapinto has kept a low profile regarding his future, focusing on maximizing his performances in the final races of 2024. “My dream is to stay in F1, and I’m grateful for every opportunity. Whatever comes, I’ll face it with everything,” he commented in Brazil. Meanwhile, the paddock is speculating about whether this move could trigger a chain reaction on the 2026 grid, with teams like Alpine and Sauber also keeping an eye on the Argentine.
If Red Bull manages to secure this signing, Colapinto could become the first Argentine driver to join a top team since Juan Manuel Fangio. Are we witnessing the birth of a new star? F1, as always, promises thrills.
