Racing team abruptly disbands following principal's departure, leading to newly recruited driver's swift termination in Formula One's turmoil.
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Alpine's Stunning Driver Change: Jack Doohan Out, Franco Colapinto In
Just six races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, Alpine has pulled the trigger and swapped out Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto. This surprising move comes on the heels of Doohan's disappointing performance so far and Alpine's ambitions to shake things up.
The announcement was made official mere days after Doohan registered a DNF at the chaotic Miami Grand Prix. Despite this, Doohan will remain with the team as their primary reserve driver.
It's not just the driving line-up that's seen changes at Alpine; they've experienced a whirlwind 12 hours, with Oliver Oakes stepping down as team principal, effective immediately. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore will take on Oakes' responsibilities, marking Alpine's sixth team principal in as many seasons.
This head-spinning 24 hours in Alpine's Formula 1 team could be a sign of things to come, with the team seeking fresh opportunities to climb the rankings.
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### Frustrated Hamilton and Leclerc to Hold Internal Talks### Lewis Hamilton's Radio Tirade: A Behind-the-Scenes StoryIn a statement, Alpine confirmed that Colapinto will have only a handful of races to prove himself as he competes against Pierre Gasly for a long-term spot on the team.
"After evaluating the opening races of the season, we've decided to put Franco with Pierre for the next five races," Briatore commented. "This year's field is incredibly evenly matched, and with a competitive car, we're in a position to try out different driver pairings to find the best combination."
"With the 2026 season looming large, we want to make sure we've got a complete and fair assessment of our drivers to maximize our chances next year," he added.
Doohan, the son of motorcycle legend Mick, has failed to score any points in his six outings this season, with his best finish being a 13th place. Although disappointed, Doohan expressed gratitude towards the team for helping him achieve his lifelong dream.
"I'm thrilled to have fulfilled my lifelong ambition to become a professional Formula One driver, and I'll forever be grateful to the team for making this possible," Doohan shared. "Although this latest turn of events is tough, I appreciate the team's faith in me and will continue to work hard in pursuit of a return to the grid."
Colapinto, who has previously raced for Williams, has already demonstrated his racing prowess, with a string of solid finishes in his rookie season. While his performance took a dip towards the end of the season, with three non-finishes, he proved that he is a dynamic and competitive driver.
"I'd like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to race for the next five races," Colapinto said. "I'll work closely with them to prepare for the upcoming races, and I'm ready to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre."
- Even as Alpine shakes up its Formula 1 team with changes in the driving line-up and team leadership, executive advisor Flavio Briatore shows interest in the world of MMA, expressing his admiration for its strategic and physically demanding nature.
- Amidst the thrilling landscape of the Alps and the roaring crowds of sports arenas, Franco Colapinto, Alpine's new driver, has also made a name for himself in the boxing ring, earning him the nickname 'The Alpine Assassin'.
- Prior to joining Alpine, Colapinto was known for his driving prowess in other motorsports scenes, such as the Formula 3 championship and rally racing, where he showcased his adaptability and competitive spirit.
- In light of the recent changes in Alpine's Formula 1 team, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the current executive leaders of their respective teams, decided to hold a summit at Monaco's Fairmont Hotel to discuss fair play and the future of sports developments in the racing world.
