Franco Colapinto Takes Over from Jack Doohan at Alpine F1 Team for Upcoming Races
In a significant shift within the Alpine Formula 1 team, Franco Colapinto has been officially announced as the replacement for Jack Doohan. This change will take effect for the next five races of the 2025 season, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. The decision follows a challenging series of races for Doohan, who faced difficulties in maintaining consistent performance, despite occasionally showcasing impressive one-lap speed.
Jack Doohan, an Australian driver, had a rough run over the past six race weekends. Although he managed to outqualify his teammate, Pierre Gasly, at the recent Miami Grand Prix, he found himself embroiled in an incident on the very first turn with Liam Lawson from the Racing Bulls team. This unfortunate clash resulted in an immediate retirement from the race, adding to a series of on-track mishaps that have plagued his season thus far.
The Alpine team had high hopes for the 2025 season, especially after Gasly’s commendable seventh place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which hinted at the potential speed of their car. However, the competitive nature of the midfield has necessitated a strategic decision to enhance their performance. By bringing in Colapinto, the team aims to improve their chances of securing points in upcoming races, especially considering Colapinto’s strong support from Argentina, which could bolster the team’s visibility and backing.
Colapinto will join Gasly on the track starting at Imola for a series of five races, with a reassessment planned after the Austrian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Doohan will revert to his previous role as a reserve driver. Flavio Briatore, the team’s executive advisor who has assumed full leadership after Oliver Oakes’ recent resignation, stated, “After reviewing the initial races of the season, we decided to place Franco in the car next to Pierre for the upcoming five events. Given the tight competition this year and the significant improvements made to our car in the past year, it’s crucial for us to consider adjustments to our lineup.”
Briatore further emphasized the importance of evaluating the drivers thoroughly this season, especially with a pivotal 2026 season on the horizon. “We want to ensure we maximize our ambitions for next year,” he added, expressing continued support for Doohan, who has exhibited professionalism in his role despite the challenges faced.
Franco Colapinto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I want to thank the team for the chance to race competitively in the next five events. I will work diligently with the team to prepare for the upcoming race in Imola and the following triple-header, which will be a significant challenge for all of us. I have stayed sharp, utilizing the team’s race support testing program and simulator work at Enstone. I aim to adapt quickly and deliver the best results possible alongside Pierre.”
Colapinto’s journey to this point has been noteworthy. After being signed as a reserve driver for Williams in 2024, he made a remarkable impression during his brief stint, replacing Logan Sargeant for nine races. He secured points in Baku and Austin, drawing attention from the Red Bull camp. However, his inexperience was evident in crashes during the Las Vegas and Brazilian races, which ultimately led Red Bull to reconsider their interest. Recognizing his potential, Alpine secured Colapinto during the off-season, adding him to their roster of reserve drivers.
As he prepares for his second stint in Formula 1 with Alpine, Colapinto has engaged in extensive simulation work and private testing to ensure he is ready for the upcoming challenges. This marks the second mid-season driver change in 2025, following the swap between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull and Racing Bulls after only two race weekends.
The Alpine team is eager to see how the partnership between Colapinto and Gasly will unfold in the coming races. With the highly competitive nature of the current season, the stakes are high, and the team is determined to make the most of their resources. The addition of Colapinto not only adds fresh talent to the lineup but also brings a new dynamic to the team.
Fans and followers of the sport will be closely watching Colapinto’s performance as he steps into the role. His ability to adapt quickly and work effectively with the team will be critical as they aim to solidify their position within the tightly contested midfield. The upcoming Emilia Romagna GP will serve as a crucial test for both Colapinto and the Alpine team.
In conclusion, the Alpine Formula 1 team is making strategic moves to enhance their competitive edge in the 2025 season. With Franco Colapinto now in the driver’s seat alongside Pierre Gasly, the team hopes to capitalize on their car’s potential and achieve better results in the races ahead. As the season progresses, fans can expect an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities for both the drivers and the team as they navigate the complexities of Formula 1 racing.
