After a challenging beginning to his career in Formula 1, Australian driver Jack Doohan has been replaced by Franco Colapinto as the reserve driver for the Alpine F1 team. This change will see Colapinto take the wheel for the French team starting at the upcoming race in Imola, where he is set to compete for at least five rounds.
Franco Colapinto, a 21-year-old racer, joined the Alpine team as a reserve driver earlier this year. Before this role, he had a stint with the Williams F1 team in 2024, where he was called in to replace the struggling Logan Sargeant.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on May 27, 2003, Colapinto’s motorsport journey began at the tender age of 10 when he started karting. His early racing career took root in Argentina, where he participated in various local competitions until 2017, at which point he made the significant leap to Europe. The following year, Colapinto concluded his karting career on a high note by winning at the 2018 Youth Summer Olympics, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
In 2018, Colapinto transitioned to the F4 Spanish Championship, racing for Drivex School. His inaugural season saw him finish in ninth place. However, he quickly rebounded and claimed the overall championship title the following year, showcasing his growing talent and determination.
The year 2020 marked another pivotal moment for Colapinto as he advanced to the Formula Renault Eurocup and the Toyota Racing Series. His performance in both series was commendable, finishing third overall in each, which further solidified his reputation as a promising young driver.
Financial constraints led Colapinto to shift his focus to sports car racing in 2021. During this time, he participated in both the Asian and European Le Mans Series and even competed in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite this detour, Colapinto’s passion for single-seater racing remained, and he made his return to this format in 2022, joining Van Amersfoort Racing for his debut season in Formula 3.
In his first season of F3, Colapinto claimed two race victories and finished ninth in the championship standings, demonstrating his potential. His performance caught the attention of the Williams Academy, leading to his signing for the 2023 season and a subsequent transfer to MP Motorsport within the F3 series.
Colapinto’s success continued, as he secured two additional race wins and finished fourth overall in the championship, which earned him a promotion to Formula 2 for the next season. Additionally, he had the opportunity to test Formula 1 machinery during a post-season test in Abu Dhabi in 2023, giving him invaluable experience.
As he embarked on his F2 career in 2024, Colapinto faced a slow start. However, everything changed after an in-season test in Spain, where he found his footing. He achieved his first F2 victory during the sprint race at Imola, quickly establishing himself as a consistent contender at the front of the pack.
Williams F1 team continued to support Colapinto’s development in the lead-up to his Formula 1 debut. He participated in the first practice session at the 2024 British Grand Prix, driving the Williams FW46, which offered him a chance to familiarize himself with the car. Following this, he was given a full-time seat at Williams after the team parted ways with American driver Sargeant.
During his time at Williams, Colapinto had nine races to prove his worth, achieving a best finish of eighth place at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This performance sparked speculation about a potential move to the Red Bull team for the 2025 season. However, his inexperience became evident through two significant crashes in Las Vegas and Brazil, which ultimately deterred Red Bull from pursuing him further.
In light of these developments, Colapinto was signed by Alpine as a reserve driver for the 2025 season. In this role, he has been actively involved in simulator work and has been patiently awaiting his opportunity to compete.
The transition from Doohan to Colapinto as the reserve driver for Alpine marks a significant shift within the team, highlighting the dynamic nature of Formula 1 and the continuous search for talent. As Colapinto gears up for his debut with Alpine, fans and experts alike will be keenly observing his performance and development in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Colapinto’s journey reflects the challenges and triumphs faced by many young drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. His early experiences, from karting in Argentina to competing in prestigious championships in Europe, have laid a solid foundation for his career. As he takes on this new role with Alpine, it will be interesting to see how his skills and determination translate to the F1 grid.
The motorsport community is always excited to witness the rise of new talent, and Franco Colapinto is certainly one to watch. With his background and proven track record in various racing series, he has the potential to make a significant impact in Formula 1.
As the racing season unfolds, Colapinto’s performance will be pivotal not only for his career but also for the Alpine team as they strive to enhance their competitiveness in the championship. His ability to adapt and learn quickly will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of F1 racing, and fans are eager to see how he will leverage his experience and skills moving forward.
With the upcoming races, especially starting at Imola, the spotlight will be on Colapinto as he steps into the limelight, aiming to prove that he is ready for the challenge of Formula 1 and capable of delivering impressive results for Alpine. His journey is just beginning, and the excitement surrounding his debut as part of the Alpine team adds an intriguing chapter to the ongoing story of Formula 1.
