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Christian Horner spotted leaving rival team's hospitality as Red Bull eye Perez successor

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was spotted leaving the motorhome in the paddock on Saturday following rumours that are weighing up a move for Franco Colapinto.

Colapinto was a virtual unknown to casual F1 fans just a few months ago, but after replacing Logan Sargeant in the aftermath of the Dutch Grand Prix, the Argentine racer has made a significant impact. After scoring points in two of his first five races, interest is now building from all over the paddock.

Ordinarily, a team with a driver on a hot streak similar to Colapinto's would move fast to factor him into their own line-up, but with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz both tied down long-term from 2025 onwards, James Vowles has no room for the 21-year-old.

One potential destination for Colapinto could be the Red Bull family. With Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda already battling to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, Williams' in-form starlet's name has been thrown into that conversation.

Horner then added fuel to the fire in Brazil when he was filmed leaving Williams' motorhome. Vowles had an explanation though, noting: "We've recently signed a new coffee sponsor and he really wanted to try it. That was a good part of the conversation. He enjoyed it."

Vowles did go on to confirm interest in Colapinto's services from other teams in the paddock. "We're actively working with teams that are interested to try and find the right arrangement that helps Franco.

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"That protects Franco as well and protects all parties. It's never straightforward between Formula One teams, because you're fighting on track and you're trying to find a solution for a career of a young man."

Despite the hype surrounding him, Colapinto is working hard to stay grounded and avoid thinking about long-term prospects. "Well I think I shouldn't be the person asked about that," he said when asked whether Williams should let him join an F1 rival for 2025.

"Of course, I don't know the answer and I guess yes. I think if Williams cannot give me a race seat, I think the normal thing is that they allow me to go somewhere else and they find the best opportunity for me for the future.

"But I'm not the right person to be asking. I should be the last one. I thought that I was not going to be racing in F1 next year and that's still my first view, so I don't really get too excited about whatever they are talking about, but let's see."

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