Helmut Marko admits Red Bull approach for in-demand star but deal has one major hitch

has confirmed that while have held preliminary conversations regarding a move for Franco Colapinto, they are not interested in putting him into one of their four seats on a loan deal.

The 21-year-old has scored points in two of his first four Grand Prix starts, notching up five points and putting experienced team-mate Alex Albon under steady pressure. These performances have turned heads in the paddock, but Colapinto is still searching for a full-time drive in 2025.

With Williams' driver pairing already set for next season, the Argentinian's best chances at securing a seat lie with VCARB and Sauber. Some reports in Mexico even claimed that Marko and Red Bull had made an offer to Colapinto's team.

However, according to the Red Bull advisor, this is not the case. "One thing is clear: in Formula One, everyone talks to everyone," Marko told Kleine Zeitung. "The problem with him is that he has a long-term contract with Williams. But that's not interesting for any team. You don't want to train a driver for another team."

While his ties to Williams may prevent him from securing a place on the grid next season, Colapinto remains committed to realising his dream of becoming a full-time Formula One driver.

"I'm not really [getting] into it," he told Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1 when asked about his plans moving forward. "Of course, my managers are doing an amazing job, and I really trust them.

"But my job is driving a car quick enough and turn the wheel, and their job is to find me a seat. So they are doing a great job on that. I'm not really focused on what's happening. I don't want to put too much energy on it. I know that there is no seats left at the moment and there is no space for me to go.

"But look, I'm driving to show that I deserve a seat in Formula One and that I deserve my place here, that I came to stay and not to be only a couple of races. So I hope to be in that impression.

"I'm sure I'm going to be back in the future, '26, '27. I'm sure I'm going to be back. So I'm going to work hard for that. Of course, still a couple of races left this year to show what I can do. So that's good news.

"But, look, if you'd told me two months ago I would be here, I wouldn't believe you. I'm just enjoying this opportunity, the chance that William gave me is something from another planet. I'm just giving my all to give the team what they deserve."