Former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley has backed Franco Colapinto to "make his mark in F1 in the future" despite missing out on a drive𓆏 in 2025.

Colapinto is set to remain out of a fu𝓡ll-time seat in 2025 after 🐓failing to secure a spot on the grid.

The Argentine impressed during his short stint at Williams, having replaced 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Logan Sargeant at the Italian Grand Prix.

Colapinto’s form initially attracted interest from Red Bull and Alpine, but a series of crashes and a noticeable drop in performance meant he was no longer🦋 in contention for a race seat.

The 21-year-old will serve as Williams’ official test and reserve driver for 2025, standing in for either 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Alex Albon or 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Carlos Sainz if necessary.

Speaking to , Priestle𓄧y expressed confidence in Colapinto's potential to return to F1.

“For Franco Colapinto, it was😼 always a long shot for him to get a seat in 2025,” he said.

“He did everything Williams needed him to do, not just in terms of ge꧑tting decent results but also kept the car on the track. But, he did end up crashing the car a lot towards the𒁏 end of the season. It's to be expected in a rookie season.

“If you think about Logan Sargeant,♛ he made a similar amount of mist𓆉akes, but he wasn't getting any results.

♕“I think Colapinto's introduction was a real success story, teams are now interested in bringing him on board and I have no doubt he will make his mark in F1 in the future.”

Alpine rumours swirl for Colapinto

Rumoursไ continue to circulate regarding Alpine’s interest in C𒊎olapinto.

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatoꦓre has spoken openly about his admirat🦋ion for Colapinto, potentially undermining their current driver, Jack Doohan.

Doohan made his F1 debut at the ꦡseason-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stepping in for Esteban Ocon.

The Australian will fac🧸e immediate pressure to start his F1 career strongly, given Briatore’s track record of making swift and often ruthless mid-season changes.