Jack Doohan has expressed his disappointment after the Alpine F1 team announced that he would be replaced by Franco Colapinto for the next five races of the 2025 season. This decision comes after a tough start for Doohan, who has yet to earn any points during the first six races. The recent race in Miami was particularly challenging for him, as he demonstrated competitive one-lap speed but ultimately faced a setback due to a collision at Turn 1.
Following this change, Doohan will transition back to his role as a reserve driver within the Alpine team. The organization plans to reassess its driver lineup after the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix in June. At just 22 years old, the Australian driver acknowledged that stepping back from a race seat is a difficult situation for him, but he remains committed to his career and personal goals.
“I am incredibly proud to have fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula 1 driver, and I will always be thankful to the team for their support in making this dream a reality,” Doohan stated in a release from Alpine. He continued to reflect on his current circumstances, saying, “This recent development is certainly hard to accept, especially as a professional driver who inherently wants to compete on the track.”
Despite the disappointment, Doohan recognizes the importance of the team’s long-term goals and is dedicated to contributing in any way he can. “I appreciate the trust and commitment from the team. I will continue to put in maximum effort to help us achieve our objectives. For now, my focus will be on working hard, observing the next five races closely, and pursuing my own personal aspirations,” he added.
This driver change at Alpine coincides with a significant shift in the team’s leadership. Oliver Oakes has resigned from his position as team principal, a role he held alongside executive advisor Flavio Briatore since last summer. Briatore, who has taken full control of the team, explained the reasoning behind the decision to swap drivers for the next races.
“After analyzing the results from the opening rounds of the season, we decided to have Franco join Pierre in the car for the next five races,” Briatore stated. He noted that the current season has seen a highly competitive field, and Alpine’s car has shown substantial improvement over the past year. “Given the closely matched competition, we believe it is essential to evaluate our driver lineup thoroughly to maximize our ambitions for the 2026 season,” he said.
Briatore also emphasized the team’s continued support for Doohan, acknowledging his professionalism throughout the season. “Jack has conducted himself admirably in his role as a race driver thus far. The upcoming five races will provide us with the opportunity to explore a different approach, and we will evaluate our options after this period,” he affirmed.
The driver switch highlights the ongoing efforts of the Alpine F1 team to enhance their performance in the highly competitive landscape of Formula 1 racing. With many teams striving for excellence, the pressure is on for Alpine to secure points and improve their standing in the championship.
Franco Colapinto, stepping into the role, brings fresh energy and a different perspective that the team hopes will yield positive results. As a reserve driver, he has been preparing for this opportunity, and now he has a chance to prove himself on the track.
The dynamics within the team will undoubtedly change with this new lineup, and both Doohan and Colapinto will need to adapt to their respective roles. Doohan must remain focused and ready to support the team while also keeping his own ambitions alive for future races. Meanwhile, Colapinto has the opportunity to showcase his talent and potentially secure a more permanent position within the team.
Alpine’s strategic decisions reflect a broader trend in Formula 1, where teams continuously evaluate their performance and make adjustments to stay competitive. The sport demands not only skill and talent but also adaptability and resilience from drivers, teams, and management alike.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Alpine team and their new driver lineup. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Colapinto performs in his upcoming races and how Doohan responds to his temporary reassignment. The competitive nature of Formula 1 means that every decision can have significant implications for a team’s success, making this a critical juncture for Alpine as they look to solidify their position in the championship standings.
In summary, the recent developments within the Alpine F1 team mark a pivotal moment for both Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto. Doohan’s journey in Formula 1 continues, albeit from a different vantage point for the time being, while Colapinto steps into the spotlight with the hope of making a significant impact. With the promise of exciting races ahead, the unfolding story of the Alpine team will be one to watch closely in the coming weeks.
