Sanjeev Kumar F1: Franco Colapinto Replaces Jack Doohan at Alpine for Five-Race Trial Run Starting Emilia-Romagna GP
In a bold mid-season move, BWT Alpine F1 Team has announced that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, beginning with the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The decision comes as part of a strategic driver rotation initiative aimed at optimizing the team’s long-term performance and assessing options for the 2026 season.
Team Shake-Up Follows Resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes
This announcement follows the sudden resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes, whose responsibilities will now be overseen by Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. Briatore emphasized the team’s need to evaluate talent more thoroughly in light of the increasingly competitive midfield.
“The field is extremely tight this year, and we want to ensure we’re making informed choices for 2026. Rotating the seat gives us valuable insight,” Briatore stated.
Jack Doohan Steps Aside After Tough Start to Rookie Season
Doohan, who was promoted to the race seat following Esteban Ocon’s departure to Haas, has struggled to match teammate Pierre Gasly’s pace over the first seven races. His campaign included a Lap 1 collision in Miami with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and a costly crash in Suzuka after failing to close his DRS before Turn 1.
While Alpine acknowledges Doohan’s potential, the team has opted to reassign him as Reserve Driver during this five-race stint.
“This chapter is difficult, but I’ll keep pushing behind the scenes,” said Doohan. “I remain committed to Alpine’s long-term vision.”
Colapinto Returns to the Grid After Impressive 2024 Substitute Run
Franco Colapinto, the 22-year-old Argentine, will now step in as Gasly’s teammate. Colapinto impressed during a substitute stint at Williams in 2024, scoring points in Azerbaijan and Austin, though his performances were marred by high-profile crashes in Sao Paulo and Las Vegas.
Signed as an Alpine reserve in January 2025, Colapinto has been active in the team’s simulator program and support testing, ensuring race-readiness.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Colapinto said. “I’ve stayed sharp and I’m ready to take on the challenge—especially during the intense triple-header ahead.”
Evaluation Period to Run Through British Grand Prix
The temporary switch will run through to the British Grand Prix in July, after which Alpine will reassess its driver lineup. The team clarified that this rotation is not necessarily a demotion for Doohan but part of a wider performance review.
A Pivotal Midfield Gamble
With Alpine making notable gains in car performance this year, the decision to rotate drivers could prove pivotal in the team’s push for a higher constructors’ championship standing.
This move also underlines Alpine’s strategic intent ahead of Formula 1’s 2026 regulation changes, where driver consistency and data-driven decision-making will be critical.
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