In a significant move following the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, Alpine F1 Team announced that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five races, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. This decision is part of Alpine’s ongoing assessment of its driver lineup amid a challenging season.
A New Opportunity for Colapinto
Franco Colapinto, previously serving as Alpine’s reserve driver, steps into the race seat alongside Pierre Gasly. Colapinto’s promotion comes after an impressive nine-race stint with Williams in 2024, where he scored points in Azerbaijan and Austin. Despite some setbacks, including crashes in São Paulo and Las Vegas, his performance caught Alpine’s attention, leading to a multi-year reserve driver contract earlier this year.
Expressing his gratitude, Colapinto stated, “I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to compete in the next five races. I’ll work hard with the team to prepare for the upcoming race in Imola and the following triple-header, which will undoubtedly be intense and a great challenge for everyone.”
Doohan’s Transition to Reserve Role
Jack Doohan, who was promoted to a full-time race seat for the 2025 season, has faced a difficult start, failing to score points in the first six races and experiencing two retirements. His most recent setback was a first-lap collision in Miami, leading to his early exit from the race.
Despite the demotion, Doohan remains with Alpine as the primary reserve driver. He expressed his disappointment but maintained a professional demeanor, saying, “I’m very proud to have fulfilled my lifelong dream of being a professional Formula 1 driver, and I’ll be forever grateful to the team for helping me achieve it.”
Leadership Changes Influence Decisions
The driver change coincides with significant leadership shifts within Alpine. Team Principal Oliver Oakes resigned following the Miami Grand Prix, with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore assuming his duties. Briatore, known for his decisive management style, is believed to have played a pivotal role in the decision to rotate the driver lineup.
Briatore commented on the situation, stating, “We continue to support Jack in the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a racing driver so far this season. The next five races will give us the opportunity to try something different, and after this period, we will evaluate our options.”
Looking Ahead
Alpine’s decision to rotate its driver lineup reflects a strategic approach to address performance challenges and assess future prospects. The team plans to reevaluate its driver lineup after the British Grand Prix in July, considering the outcomes of the next five races.
As Colapinto prepares to make his debut with Alpine, the team and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this change impacts performance and team dynamics. For Doohan, the reserve role offers an opportunity to regroup and potentially reclaim his position in the future.
This period marks a critical juncture for Alpine as it navigates internal changes and seeks to improve its standing in the Constructors’ Championship.
