#BOMBSHELL! HORNER WANTS COLAPINTO WITH VERSTAPPEN AND OFFERS HIM A MILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT
In an unexpected twist that has shaken the world of Formula 1, Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has set his sights on young Argentinian talent Franco Colapinto, with rumors of a multi-million-dollar offer to join the main team alongside world champion Max Verstappen. According to various media reports, Horner has reportedly begun negotiations with Colapinto’s current team, Williams, to secure the 21-year-old driver’s services for the 2025 season, in what could be a strategic move to revitalize Red Bull’s lineup.
Colapinto, who made his Formula 1 debut with Williams at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, has impressed the paddock with solid performances, including an eighth-place finish in Azerbaijan and a tenth in Austin. His freshness, speed, and charisma have made him an attractive figure not only on the track but also commercially, especially in Latin America. Horner, known for his talent spotting talent, sees in the Argentine an opportunity to strengthen Red Bull’s image in the region, backed by sponsors such as Claro, Mercado Libre, Globant, and Uber. According to reports, Red Bull would be willing to offer up to $20 million to release Colapinto from his contract with Williams, a figure that reflects the potential Horner sees in him.
However, the path is not easy. Colapinto is contractually tied to Williams long-term, and although the British team cannot offer him a regular seat in 2025 due to the arrival of Carlos Sainz and the continuity of Alex Albon, Williams boss James Vowles has suggested that a loan move could be an option. However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has made it clear that a loan is not an option, as the team seeks a full commitment to the driver. Negotiations, which included key meetings in Austin, Mexico, and Brazil, are at an advanced stage, although the final decision will depend on several factors, including the future of Sergio “Checo” Pérez, whose continuity at Red Bull is in doubt after a season of disappointing results.
The possibility of Colapinto alongside Verstappen, a driver known for being a demanding teammate, is generating both excitement and speculation. Verstappen himself praised the Argentine after the Mexican Grand Prix, highlighting his “great work” since his arrival in F1. However, the pressure of competing alongside the four-time world champion would be a monumental challenge for a rookie like Colapinto. Meanwhile, Red Bull is also considering drivers from its own stable, such as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, adding uncertainty to the Argentine’s fate.
With the driver market in turmoil and the 2025 season approaching, Colapinto’s future is one of the hottest topics in Formula 1. Will Horner manage to seal this ambitious signing? Time will tell, but Red Bull’s interest in the young Argentinian talent is already a recognition of his meteoric rise in world motorsport.
