Alpine Racing has announced that Franco Colapinto will take over the seat of Jack Doohan for at least the next five races in the Formula 1 calendar, with his debut occurring at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This decision comes as part of the team’s strategy to evaluate their driver lineup ahead of the crucial 2026 season.
Colapinto, an Argentine driver, initially joined Alpine as a reserve driver during the winter months. Williams Racing’s team principal, James Vowles, previously indicated that Colapinto was essentially on loan, with the expectation that he would participate in races during the season. After only six races in the current 2025 season, rookie driver Doohan has been moved to a reserve role, and Colapinto will now partner with Pierre Gasly starting at Imola. Alpine plans to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its drivers in July.
Flavio Briatore, the executive director of Alpine, commented on the decision: “After reviewing the initial races of the season, we have decided to place Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races. This season has shown that the competition is incredibly tight, and with the significant improvements we’ve made to our car in the past year, we feel it’s necessary to rotate our driver lineup. The upcoming 2026 season is crucial for our team, and having a complete and fair evaluation of our drivers this year will help us achieve our goals for next season.”
Briatore also expressed appreciation for Doohan’s professionalism during his time as a race driver. “We continue to support Jack, as he has conducted himself commendably in his role. This five-race period will allow us to try a different approach, and after this phase, we will reassess our options.”
Doohan’s performance thus far has been underwhelming; he has not scored any points in his seven races for Alpine, having made his debut in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. In his most recent outing in Miami, he managed to outqualify Gasly for the first time. So far, Gasly has managed to score points in one Grand Prix and one Sprint, but Alpine’s overall tally of seven points places them ninth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Colapinto is guaranteed a seat for the next five races, leading up to the British Grand Prix in July. That particular track holds significance for him, as it was where he made his FP1 debut for Williams last year. The upcoming schedule also includes the Austrian Grand Prix, which will feature back-to-back races.
Expressing his excitement about the opportunity, Colapinto said, “Firstly, I want to thank the team for allowing me to drive competitively in the next five races. I am fully committed to preparing for the race in Imola and the subsequent tripleheader, which will undoubtedly be a rigorous challenge for everyone involved. I have been keeping myself sharp and am ready to engage with the team’s race support testing program, as well as working on the simulator at Enstone. I aim to get up to speed quickly and strive to achieve the best possible results alongside Pierre.”
The announcement of this driver change comes just a day after the unexpected resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, who stepped down immediately. Flavio Briatore has taken over Oakes’ responsibilities in the interim.
### The Impact of Driver Changes in Formula 1
Driver changes in Formula 1 are often a reflection of a team’s strategy and ambitions. In this case, Alpine’s decision to rotate their drivers demonstrates a proactive approach to performance evaluation. It’s crucial for teams to assess their driver lineup continually, especially in a competitive environment where every point counts toward the Constructors’ Championship.
Franco Colapinto’s entry into the race seat highlights the importance of nurturing young talent within the sport. As a reserve driver, Colapinto has been prepared for this moment, showcasing the value of having a robust development program. His experience with Williams has undoubtedly provided him with insights that he can now bring to Alpine.
The collaboration between Colapinto and Pierre Gasly could also be pivotal for the team’s performance. Gasly, an experienced driver, can offer mentorship and guidance to Colapinto as they work together to improve Alpine’s standing in the championship. The dynamic between the two drivers will be key as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming races.
### The Importance of Team Strategy
Alpine’s decision to reevaluate their driver lineup aligns with strategic planning for the future. With the 2026 season on the horizon, teams must position themselves for success by assessing their current assets and making necessary changes. The ability to adapt and make informed decisions can significantly impact a team’s performance and competitiveness.
This strategy reflects broader trends in Formula 1, where teams are increasingly focusing on long-term planning. The competitive nature of the sport necessitates that teams remain agile, ready to pivot based on performance and external factors. By rotating their drivers, Alpine is not only testing new talent but also creating an environment that fosters growth and resilience.
### Future Prospects for Alpine Racing
Looking ahead, the next few races will be critical for both Franco Colapinto and the Alpine team. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will serve as an important testing ground for Colapinto, as he aims to establish himself as a capable driver in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1. Success in these races could solidify his position and influence the team’s strategy moving forward.
Furthermore, as Alpine strives to climb the Constructors’ Championship standings, the performance of both drivers will be under close scrutiny. The synergy between Colapinto and Gasly will be crucial in maximizing the team’s potential. Achieving consistent results will not only benefit the team but also enhance the drivers’ standings and reputations within the sport.
In conclusion, the recent changes at Alpine Racing, including the introduction of Franco Colapinto and the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, mark a significant moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season. As the team prepares for the upcoming races, all eyes will be on how these adjustments play out on the track. The journey ahead will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how the new dynamics will unfold in the quest for success in Formula 1.
