Colapinto manager reveals inside story of deal with Alpine
Yesterday at 12:51 PM
Alpine has reportedly locked in the services of F1 rookie Franco Colapinto for a duration of five years according to the Argentine's manager Maria Catarineu.
The agreement, announced last week, followed intense negotiations between Colapinto's management, Alpine and Williams, where the young gun made his highly impressive F1 debut in the second half of last season.
Colapinto has been assigned to a test and reserve role with Alpine, which now has significant control over the 21-year-old's career.
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore initiated negotiations between the relevant parties and ultimately sealed the deal.
But while the flamboyant Italian's passion for Colapinto was instrumental, reaching an agreement was anything but smooth sailing according to Catarineu, the commercial director of Bullet Sports Management.
"It took a long time because negotiations are sometimes complex, as in this case. But Flavio was always very persistent and in the last few weeks he was very intense," she told Argentine online news site Infobae.
"The agreement came about because both parties got what they wanted – Flavio was able to sign Franco and [Williams boss] James [Vowles] was able to give him the chance to race, because at Williams their regular drivers are on long-term contracts."
Briatore's Determination: 'I've Seen Talent, and I Want Him'
Briatore's fascination with Colapinto began almost immediately after the rookie's debut. After a solid performance against seasoned driver Alex Albon, Briatore set his sights firmly on acquiring his services.
"Briatore has seen Franco since he made his F1 debut," Catarineu said. "The day we first chatted, he said: 'I've seen talent, and I want him.'
"He followed all the races closely and how he evolved as an F1 driver in the nine Grands Prix he was able to race."
Jamie Campbell-Walter, Bullet Sports Management with commercial director Maria Catarineu, manager of Franco Colapinto.
Catarineu even disclosed that Briatore's obsession went so far as to suggest taking on a managerial role for Colapinto himself, though this ultimately did not happen.
"It's the best thing for everyone that Jamie [Campbell-Walter] and I are still in charge of Franco and more on a day-to-day basis," she added.
"Obviously Flavio will be aware of everything that happens. This is teamwork."
Five Years of Opportunity
While Alpine's official announcement last week referred to a "multi-year deal", Catarineu provided further clarity, revealing that the contract runs until 2029 and dismissing rumors of a simple loan.
"Williams gave Franco to Alpine for five years," she stated.
"I understand that, if another team appears interested in Franco within that period, I guess it would be a negotiation between Alpine and the other team.
Is Colapinto Alpine's Future?
Rumors have already begun swirling about Colapinto's potential role within Alpine's main driver line-up.
Some speculate he will be groomed as a replacement for Jack Doohan, should the Australian face challenges in his rookie campaign.
When asked directly if she believes Colapinto will make it back onto the F1 grid with Alpine, Catarineu played coy: "I'm not going to say what I feel."
While Briatore's persistence secured the deal, it's Colapinto's undeniable talent that has positioned him as a potential F1 star of the future.
With a five-year deal in place and Alpine fully committed to his development, Franco Colapinto is primed to make waves in Formula 1 – and the paddock will undoubtedly be watching closely.
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