Alpine Shuffles Driver Lineup: Franco Colapinto Steps In for Jack Doohan
Formula One team appoints new team principal and replaces one driver - Team replaces racing driver following leadership decision in Formula One
Time for a change! The Alpine Formula 1 team is shaking things up after only six races into the season. Argentinian Franco Colapinto is set to replace the struggling Australian, Jack Doohan, at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Don't expect him to stick around permanently, though; Colapinto will only have five races to prove himself before the team reevaluates the situation.
"We've realized we need to mix things up with our driver lineup," said new team principal, Flavio Briatore, who recently took the reins from the retiring Oliver Oakes.
Doohan, one of four drivers this season yet to score any points, has been under intense pressure due to several crashes and lackluster performances. Briatore, who's no stranger to the role—having previously been team principal for the record world champion, Michael Schumacher—has been advocating for a shuffle and Colapinto as the replacement internally for a while.
Colapinto, 21, showed promise last season with Williams, earning five points, but couldn't secure a spot afterward. He's now making his Alpine debut, partnering Pierre Gasly at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and will race in Monaco, Spain, Canada, and Austria before a decision is made regarding the driver situation ahead of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. Doohan will remain an essential part of the team, serving as the first reserve driver option.
"This certainly isn't the news I wanted to hear," lamented Doohan.
The driver switch continues the turbulent times at Alpine following a disappointing start to the season and Oakes' recent resignation as team principal. Here's hoping the change brings better fortune!
- Alpine
- Formula 1
- Imola
- Formula 1 team
- Season races
- Flavio Briatore
- Formula 1 season
Enrichment Data:
Background and Pressure
- Rumors and Pressure: The possibility of replacing Doohan with Colapinto had been brewing since as early as November last year, fueled by comments from Alpine executives, creating a stressful environment for Doohan.[2][3]
- Colapinto’s Role: Colapinto joined as a reserve driver in January 2025, increasing the competition within the team.[3] His presence was seen as a potential threat to Doohan's seat from the onset.
Performance Issues
- Doohan's Performance: Despite occasionally demonstrating strong pace, Doohan has failed to consistently match teammate Pierre Gasly's performance.[3]
- Incidents and Mistakes: Doohan's costly incidents, including a significant crash at Suzuka and a first-corner collision at the Miami Grand Prix, further complicated his position.[2][3]
Team Dynamics and Strategy
- Alpine's Struggles: Alpine has faced a difficult start to the 2025 season, exacerbating Doohan's challenges. Despite a promising pre-season, the team hasn't delivered the anticipated results.[3]
- Colapinto as a Solution: Promoting Colapinto is seen as a strategy to inject energy into the team and potentially stabilize their performance.[2][5] Given his experience as a former Williams driver, Alpine may view him as more stable in the short term.
- Alpine's decision to replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for five races, amid disappointing performances and crashes, will provide an opportunity for the team to evaluate their driver lineup for the remaining season races.
- Despite being a four-time Formula 1 season driver yet to score points, Jack Doohan's replacement by Colapinto, a former Williams driver who showed promise last season, highlights the intensity of the competition within the Alpine Formula 1 team.
- As Flavio Briatore, the new team principal with a past history as principal for record world champion Michael Schumacher, advocates for changes, the team's decision to bring in Colapinto follows a long-standing rumor that had been fueled by comments from Alpine executives since November last year, creating a stressful environment for Doohan.
