Red Bull faces €20m price tag to sign Colapinto from Williams

Williams have made it clear they will not settle for anything less than €20 million in order to release young driver Franco Colapinto from his contract, as Red Bull circle the highly-rated Argentine.

Colapinto has impressed since making his unexpected Formula 1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix, scoring points in Baku and finishing a strong 10th in Austin.

His performances have caught the eye of Red Bull, who view the 21-year-old as a potential future star.

However, Williams team principal James Vowles has indicated the Grove-based outfit have no intention of letting Colapinto go on the cheap.

According to a report from Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, Williams are demanding a hefty €20 million fee to release the Argentine from his existing contract.

"It's never straightforward between Formula 1 teams, because you're fighting on track and you're trying to find a solution for the career of a young man,"

Vowles said in the Sao Paulo team principals' press conference.

"But he's earning his place and we have a responsibility towards him and Williams."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner was spotted leaving the Williams hospitality unit ahead of practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix, indicating negotiations are underway between the two teams.

However, Vowles stressed that a deal is "far from completion at this stage."

Horner was fulsome in his praise of Colapinto's performances, likening the Argentine's impact to that of fellow young guns Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman at VCARB and Haas respectively.

"I think Franco definitely has got the qualities to be a potential star of the future,"

Horner said.

With Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon already signed for 2025, Williams appear willing to allow Colapinto to pursue opportunities elsewhere in order to further his career.

But the team is determined to extract top dollar for their prized asset.

The negotiation over Colapinto's future is set to rumble on, with Vowles confident a resolution will be found before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

However, the hefty price tag set by Williams suggests Red Bull may need to dig deep if they are to secure the services of one of the most exciting young talents in the sport.