F1 Rumor: Franco Colapinto Offered to Red Bull for a Vast Amount of Money

Red Bull’s interest in Franco Colapinto is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of the 2024 F1 season. After a number of impressive performances with Williams, the Argentine driver has attracted significant attention from rival teams eager to secure his services. This potential transfer has cast a spotlight on the driver market around Red Bull and its sister team, VCARB.

Big moves are happening behind the scenes at Williams

Red Bull and Alpine have shown serious interest in Colapinto, who is currently tied to Williams under a multi-year contract.

Naturally, this influx of attention has led to reports of negotiations over Colapinto’s future.

Williams has set a hefty price tag for Colapinto’s release, with reports suggesting a $20 million fee for early termination of his contract.

The pressure has only increased on Williams principal James Vowles to secure a lucrative outcome, particularly as Williams looks to rebuild and maximize the value of their assets.

In the space of a single season, Colapinto went from a promising young talent to one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid.

Considering Red Bull’s need for fresh talent, the driver’s potential move would strengthen their lineup and provide a solid pairing for Max Verstappen.

As Formula 1’s budget cap excludes driver salaries, negotiations have intensified, with Williams exploring ways to benefit financially from Colapinto’s rising market value.

Securing Colapinto’s release is crucial for Red Bull

Red Bull’s advisors, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, have hinted at their willingness to meet Williams’ demands according to a number of reports.

While Colapinto remains under contract with Williams, the team is exploring options for his future, including a potential loan arrangement.

However, such a solution may not align with Red Bull’s intentions, who usually prefer a more permanent addition to their roster.

Alpine, meanwhile, remains in the conversation but seems focused on their 2026 lineup, potentially leaving Red Bull as the frontrunner.

For Williams, Colapinto’s value is not just as a driver but as an asset they can leverage strategically.

With his rising stock in F1, Williams sees an opportunity to strengthen their financial position while retaining some influence over his career trajectory.

With a new driver lineup to be finalized and a hefty transfer fee on the table, Williams holds considerable leverage in these discussions.

Ultimately, Vowles wants the best for Colapinto after he’s done such a good job at the Grove outfit, but with Carlos Sainz confirmed to be replacing him next year, the focus will remain on his 2025 driver lineup and anything he can do to strengthen that.