Franco Colapinto is on the way to Red Bull, according to former F1 driver and now pundit Ralf Schumacher.The impressive rookie needs to vacate his Williams seat at the end of the year, but there have been rumours the team might keep him onboard in 2025 and allow Carlos Sainz to switch to Red Bull.

Ralf Schumacher believes Franco Colapinto will be joining the Red Bull fold and that Helmut Marko was not even the highest-ranking figure taking an interest. However, despite his prediction, the six-time F1 race winner turned pundit Schumacher believes it remains to be seen which of the Red Bull teams Colapinto would be placed in.

Williams boss James Vowles is reportedly demanding $20 million for Colapinto's release from his 2025 contract. However, Schumacher suggests Red Bull could afford the fee, given Colapinto's strong commercial appeal in Argentina. "Colapinto can bring a whole package of sponsors," said Schumacher. "He will have closed some big deals."

Red Bull reserve driver, Isack Hadjar has fired a veiled warning to the team amid rumors of growing interest in Franco Colapinto.

Williams rookie Franco Colapinto is strongly rumoured to be close to sealing a deal to join Red Bull's pool of drivers in 2025.

Red Bull must decide whether to honour Sergio Perez's contract or to replace him for 2025, either with RB racer Liam Lawson or with an external signing like Franco Colapinto

Red Bull’s surprise link to signing Franco Colapinto is the latest twist in the Formula 1 driver market – but would it work?

Williams are likely to spend the rest of 2024 negotiating with rival teams about their interest Franco Colapinto. Red Bull and Alpine have already enquired about the 21-year-old’s availability, with talks advanced taking place in the background.