Team principal James Vowles reaffirmed his belief that the Argentine driver "is my driver that I want back in that car" ...

Franco Colapinto ... His season tailed off with a number of incidents and, as a result, he was forced to run older parts amid Williams’ shortage issues. Colapinto’s rocky end to the season ...

Alpine’s reserve driver Franco Colapinto has been heralded by Flavio Briatore as a key figure for the Enstone-based outfit.

Colapinto, 21, turned heads last summer by scoring in two of nine races after replacing American Logan Sargeant at Williams.

However, despite being scheduled for a “number of years” at Alpine, Colapinto features ... But ultimately, Franco is my driver that I want back in that car. After a period, he will return ...

"But ultimately, Franco is my driver that I want back in that car ... say over whether Colapinto would race for Alpine. "He is with Alpine and he's an Alpine driver for a number of years.

The Williams team boss stressed that Colapinto was ready to step in an F1 car. He said: "I think he's ready to step straight in. "It's an Alpine decision, but Franco, as he left me, is fired-up ...