Vowles and Colapint’s debut in Alpine: “Franco is strong, he is in the right place”

The return of Franco Colapint as a starting pilot of a Formula 1 teamnext weekend at its premiere with Alpine in Emilia-Romagna’s Grand Prixnot only generates great expectation in Argentina but also had repercussions in Williams, his previous team.

This Tuesday, James Vowles, head of the English team, spoke with AM850 He referred to the imminent debut of Colapint in Alpine, after the departure of Oliver Oakes, director of the French team: “It is a moment of turbulence, without a doubt. But, are they going to support Pierre and Franco? Yes, I think they will do it because they are the elite athletes they are driving for them. So what happens, even in a moment of turbulence, is that you are going to support your pilots.”

In addition, Vowles, at the press conference he offered at the Williams base, in Grove, Oxfordshire, explained what awaits Colapinto: “I really think that What will learn is invaluableeither in that team or another. First, you will get time on track. And then, being in a difficult environment, if you get over you learn to be stronger. And Franco is strong, so I think that is still the right place for him at this stage“.

Colapinto, who has her presence assured in the next five racesplayed nine major awards in 2024 with Williams, under the direction of Vowles.

The close relationship between Vowles and Colapinto

On April 20, in the previous one to the Saudi Arabia GP, Vowles was interviewed by Juan Fossaroli for AM850 and expressed his love for Colapinto, with whom he had last been on the first date of the World Cup, in Australia: “I miss it, I spent a very good time with him in Melbourne.”

Then, Williams chief anticipated the return of Colapinto as a starting pilot, although he did not succeed in what GP would happen: “I think he will return in Miami, so maybe he can spend time with him. Without a doubt the strange, he is a great boy.”