One of Franco Colapinto's managers has confirmed that the talented Argentine driver was in discussions with Red Bull before ultimately securing a deal with Alpine.
It was Flavio Briatore, representing Alpine, who reportedly paid an extraordinary $20 million to Williams for a five-year loan of the 21-year-old.
"He was the first interested party," Colapinto's co-manager Maria Catarineu told Corazon de F1.
"Well, more or less at the same time as Red Bull.
But Flavio said, 'I want him, and I want him like this and like this.' It was very complicated because there is Franco as a driver, his management company, Williams as Franco's team, and the other interested teams.
"But that's where it all began. And Flavio never lost his interest."
According to Catarineu, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner expressed genuine interest in Colapinto's potential, considering him either as a teammate for Max Verstappen or for the secondary Red Bull team.
"Clearly, Christian showed an interest in Franco," she explained. "He wanted to understand the situation with Williams and spoke to James (Vowles).
"However, the Red Bull route didn't materialise for various reasons. Red Bull has a very strong academy with drivers already in line, and it just didn't work out."
One potential sticking point may have been that, even after the five-year Alpine loan, Colapinto might still be obligated to return to Williams.
"It is a possibility," Catarineu admitted. "But between now and five years, anything can happen."
Additionally, there are reports that some of Colapinto's Argentine sponsors could remain with Williams even beyond 2025.
Despite Briatore's prominent role in the new arrangement, Catarineu confirmed that she and her husband, Jamie Campbell-Walter, will continue managing Colapinto's day-to-day career.
"It is best for everyone that Jamie and I continue to be in charge of Franco. Of course, Flavio will stay informed about everything. This is a team effort," she said.
Catarineu also hinted that the Alpine deal may include a future opportunity for Colapinto to replace Jack Doohan, possibly during the 2025 season.
"He is super, super happy," she said, referring to Colapinto.
"Just a few months ago, we didn't know if we'd ever make it to Formula 1. Then the nine races with Williams happened.
But there was uncertainty again because there was no place at Williams. Now, he's happy. Very happy."
