WILLIAMS ISSUE OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON 2025 DRIVER LINEUP
Williams Racing has officially addressed the status of their 2025 driver lineup in a statement that clarifies the future of one of their key team members. The announcement comes as the Grove-based team prepares to begin a new chapter with Carlos Sainz, who recently joined the team for the upcoming Formula 1 season.
Sainz’s move to Williams was confirmed last year after his departure from Ferrari, where he was replaced by the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. Following a challenging 2024 season, Sainz now finds himself leading the Williams charge alongside veteran teammate Alex Albon. The Spaniard’s signing represents a significant shift for the team, which has been steadily rebuilding its presence on the F1 grid.
The 30-year-old officially debuted with Williams during the Abu Dhabi tyre test at the conclusion of the 2024 season, familiarizing himself with the FW45 ahead of the new campaign. Expectations are high for Sainz to leverage his experience and help push the team closer to the midfield battle.
However, Sainz’s arrival has left Franco Colapinto, the team’s promising young talent, without a seat for 2025. The Argentine driver, who previously competed in Formula 2 and served as Williams’ reserve driver, had been considered for a spot within the Red Bull family but ultimately missed out as Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar were promoted to Red Bull Racing and its junior team, Visa Cash App RB, respectively.
While Colapinto remains a highly regarded prospect, securing a race seat in 2025 has proven elusive. Alpine was rumored to be a potential destination, but their lineup with Jack Doohan appears set for the foreseeable future unless performance issues arise. With Cadillac entering the F1 grid as the 11th team in 2026, Colapinto may find an opportunity down the line.
In the meantime, Colapinto has expressed his commitment to staying with Williams as their reserve driver, focusing on honing his skills and contributing to the team’s development. Williams Racing echoed this sentiment in their recent statement to GPFans, emphasizing the Argentine’s ongoing role within the organization.
“Franco is a Williams Racing driver, and we will announce his 2025 programme in due course,” the team confirmed.
This update underscores Williams’ confidence in Colapinto’s potential and their strategy to maintain a solid driver development pipeline. By retaining him in a reserve capacity, the team ensures continuity and readiness should an unexpected opportunity arise on the grid.
As the 2025 season approaches, Williams Racing is determined to build on their progress and climb the competitive ranks. With a mix of seasoned expertise in Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, alongside a promising reserve driver in Franco Colapinto, the team aims to secure a brighter future in Formula 1. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this dynamic lineup performs in the coming year.
