Alpine has made a driver change, replacing Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for a five-race period, beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix next weekend. Colapinto will partner Pierre Gasly.
Doohan, aged 22, will stay on as a reserve driver. He was replaced after failing to score points in the first six races of the 2025 F1 season. This makes him the second young driver this year to be swapped out, following Red Bull`s decision to return Liam Lawson to their junior team after only two races.
The 21-year-old Colapinto gained prominence and sponsorship support from Argentina after impressive performances in nine races for Williams late last season. However, he will face immediate pressure, as the team labels this move a `rotation` for `on-going assessment` of their drivers.
This announcement on Wednesday morning follows the resignation of Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes on Tuesday evening. His responsibilities have been taken over by executive advisor Flavio Briatore, known for leading Benetton and Renault to multiple world championships in the 1990s and 2000s.
In a statement from Alpine confirming the change, Briatore commented, “After reviewing the initial races of the season, we decided to place Franco alongside Pierre for the upcoming five races.”
He added that given the competitive grid and the team`s improved car, “we recognize the necessity to rotate our driver pairing. We are also aware of the significance of the 2026 season for the team, and a thorough, fair evaluation of the drivers this season is crucial to achieving our objectives next year.”
Briatore stated Alpine`s continued support for Doohan, acknowledging his professional conduct as a driver this season. He explained, “The next five races offer us a chance to explore a different option, after which we will evaluate our choices.”
Doohan: Demotion tough to take
Doohan had been Alpine`s reserve driver for three seasons before finally getting his chance. He was signed for the 2025 season last August and also drove in the final race of 2024, replacing Esteban Ocon.
However, the team`s signing of Colapinto as a reserve driver in January sparked ongoing paddock speculation about when Doohan might be replaced. Both Doohan and Oakes frequently faced questions on this topic in media sessions during 2025.
Although Doohan occasionally showed speed, significant crashes in the opening race in Australia and the third round in Japan intensified the pressure. This pressure seemed evident at the recent Miami Grand Prix, where he expressed frustration over the radio after failing to advance in Sprint Qualifying.
Doohan commented, “`I am extremely proud to have fulfilled my lifelong aspiration of becoming a professional Formula 1 driver, and I will always be thankful to the team for helping me reach this goal.”
“Clearly, this current situation is difficult for me to accept because as a professional driver, I naturally want to race. Nevertheless, I value the team`s confidence and dedication. We have long-term team objectives, and I will keep contributing my utmost in any capacity to help achieve them.”
“For the time being, I will remain focused, work diligently, observe the next five races with interest, and continue pursuing my personal ambitions.”
Colapinto`s unorthodox F1 journey takes another turn
Colapinto`s promotion from reserve status on an unusual short-term contract represents another turn in what is becoming a notably unconventional start to an F1 career in recent times.
Colapinto stated, “`First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to the team for granting me this chance to compete over the next five events. I will collaborate closely with the team to get ready for the upcoming race in Imola and the subsequent triple-header, which I`m sure will be demanding and a significant test for everyone.”
“I`ve maintained my readiness and am as prepared as I can be through the team`s race support testing and simulator work at Enstone. I aim to adapt swiftly and give my absolute best to achieve the strongest possible results alongside Pierre.”
The Argentine driver previously replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams for the final nine races of 2024. However, he had no clear route to a 2025 seat there, as the team had already secured the strong pairing of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
Colapinto made a very promising start to his F1 tenure, scoring points in two of his first four races. This performance led to speculation linking him with a drive at Red Bull or, more plausibly, their sister team, Racing Bulls.
However, his form declined towards the end of the season with several incidents, and it seemed he would spend 2025 as a reserve driver for Williams.
Then came his unexpected transfer to Alpine in January. The details were initially unclear, with Williams team principal James Vowles suggesting they would get Colapinto back `eventually`. His manager has since reportedly stated it`s a five-year loan deal.
Now, Colapinto has five races to prove himself at Alpine. Reserve drivers Doohan and potentially 21-year-old Estonian Paul Aron are available should the team decide on another change.
Marcus Prine