Alpine has replaced Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto as Pierre Gasly`s teammate for the next five races, beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.
Doohan, who will stay on as a reserve driver, was replaced after not scoring any points in the first six rounds of the 2025 season. The 22-year-old is the second young driver this year to be moved aside, following Red Bull`s decision to return Liam Lawson to their junior team after only two races.
Rumors about Doohan`s position started even before his rookie season began, fueled by Alpine signing Colapinto from Williams as a reserve driver in January.
The 21-year-old Colapinto quickly gained attention and substantial sponsorship from Argentina after impressing during nine race appearances for Williams late last season. However, he will face immediate pressure in this new role, which Alpine terms a `rotation` as part of their `on-going assessment` of potential drivers.
The announcement on Wednesday followed the resignation of Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes on Tuesday evening. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore, known for leading Benetton and Renault to multiple world championships, will take over his responsibilities.
In a statement confirming the change, Briatore commented: “After reviewing the initial races of the season, we decided to place Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the upcoming five events.”
He added, “With the grid being very competitive this year and having a car that the team has significantly improved over the last 12 months, we feel it`s necessary to rotate our driver line-up. We also recognize the importance of the 2026 season for the team, and a thorough, fair assessment of drivers this season is crucial to maximize our goals for next year.”
Doohan`s Reaction to Being Replaced
Doohan received his opportunity with Alpine after spending three seasons as a reserve driver. The team signed him for 2025 last August and also put him in the car for the final race of 2024, replacing the departing Esteban Ocon.
However, Colapinto`s arrival as a reserve driver in January sparked ongoing speculation in the paddock about how soon Doohan might be replaced. Both Doohan and Oakes frequently faced questions on this topic during media sessions throughout 2025.
While Doohan displayed moments of pace, significant crashes in the season-opening Australian GP and the third round in Japan intensified the pressure. This seemed to affect him in Miami, the most recent race, where he vented his frustration to the team over the radio after being eliminated from Sprint Qualifying.
Doohan stated: “I am immensely proud to have fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula 1 driver and am forever thankful to the team for supporting me in reaching this goal.”
He continued, “Naturally, this recent development is challenging for me, as a professional driver`s primary desire is to race. Nevertheless, I value the team`s trust and dedication. As a team, we have significant long-term objectives, and I will continue to contribute my utmost in any capacity to help us reach them.”
“For the time being,” he concluded, “I will remain focused, continue working diligently, observe the next five races with interest, and keep pursuing my personal aspirations.”
Colapinto`s Unexpected Path to an F1 Seat
Colapinto`s elevation from reserve status on this unusual short-term agreement represents another chapter in what is becoming one of the most unconventional starts to an F1 career in recent memory.
He commented: “Firstly, I wish to thank the team for providing me with the chance to race competitively for these 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 anticipate will be demanding and a significant challenge for everyone.”
“I`ve maintained my readiness,” he added, “and I`m as prepared as I can be through the team`s race support testing and simulator work at Enstone. I will strive to quickly adapt and give my utmost to achieve the best possible results alongside Pierre.”
The Argentine driver previously replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams for the final nine races of 2024. However, he didn`t have a clear path to a 2025 seat there, as Williams had already secured the strong lineup of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
Colapinto began his F1 tenure impressively, scoring points in two of his first four races. This led to speculation linking him with a seat at Red Bull or, more plausibly, their sister team Racing Bulls.
However, his performance declined later in the season with several incidents, suggesting he might spend 2025 on the sidelines as a Williams reserve driver.
His unexpected move to Alpine in January followed. The details were initially vague, with Williams team principal James Vowles stating that the team expected Colapinto back “at some point.” His manager has since reportedly confirmed this is a five-year loan arrangement.
Now, Colapinto has five races to make his case at Alpine, knowing that reserve drivers like Doohan and potentially 21-year-old Estonian Paul Aron are waiting for their chance.
