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Alpine Stuns F1 World with Jack Doohan Axe, Promotes Franco Colapinto for Five-Race Trial
In a surprising mid-season shakeup, Alpine has announced that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. The move follows just seven races into Doohan’s debut F1 campaign, during which he failed to score any points. Doohan joins a short list of drivers who remain point-less this season, including veteran Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson, and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
The team’s decision was revealed in an official statement, noting that this rotation is part of a broader evaluation of their driver line-up. Colapinto will step in alongside Pierre Gasly, who has collected seven points across six races so far. The change will take effect starting at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and will span five races through to the British Grand Prix in July. Doohan will remain with the team during this period as the primary Reserve Driver.
Alpine’s official statement read: “As part of an ongoing assessment of its driver line-up, the team has made the decision to rotate one of its race seats for the next five rounds. BWT Alpine F1 Team therefore announces that Franco Colapinto will be paired with Pierre Gasly from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, ahead of a new evaluation before the British Grand Prix.”
The announcement comes hot on the heels of another major development within the team—the unexpected resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes. Oakes’ departure was confirmed less than 12 hours before the driver change news. In the interim, executive advisor Flavio Briatore will oversee team operations, temporarily assuming Oakes’ responsibilities.
Briatore commented on the decision, saying: “Having reviewed the season so far, we believe this is the right time to give Franco a chance. The competition is incredibly tight this year, and our car has shown noticeable improvement over the past 12 months. It’s important we evaluate all our options fully before we commit to our long-term line-up for the crucial 2026 season.” He also praised Doohan’s professionalism and confirmed the team’s ongoing support for the Australian.
Colapinto, 21, previously caught attention with a brief but promising stint at Williams last season, where he filled in for Logan Sargeant mid-year. His return to the F1 grid is seen as a crucial opportunity to prove he deserves a full-time seat. Speaking after the announcement, the young Argentine expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his readiness.
“Firstly, I want to thank Alpine for trusting me with this opportunity. I’ve been working hard with the team, staying sharp through testing and simulator work. I’m excited to hit the ground running at Imola and give everything I’ve got in the upcoming triple-header.”
Colapinto will race under number 43 in Alpine’s A525 car, beginning in Imola. His trial will continue through the Monaco, Spanish, Canadian, and Austrian Grands Prix. Following this period, Alpine—under Briatore’s guidance—will evaluate Colapinto’s performance and determine the driver line-up for the rest of the season.
The pressure is now on for Colapinto to make a strong impression in what could be a defining stretch in his young F1 career.
