Jack Doohan Axed from Alpine Seat as Franco Colapinto Steps In for Five Races F...read more

Jack Doohan Axed from Alpine Seat as Franco Colapinto Steps In for Five Races

Alpine has made a bold mid-season call, sidelining Jack Doohan for the next five Formula 1 races and promoting Franco Colapinto to the race seat alongside Pierre Gasly.

The decision follows a disappointing start to Doohan’s rookie campaign, with the Australian failing to score any points across the first six rounds of the 2025 season. His most recent outing at the Miami Grand Prix ended in a DNF after a collision with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Doohan was reportedly informed of the team’s decision before departing the Miami paddock.

Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s Executive Advisor, explained the move:

“After reviewing the early part of the season, we’ve decided to give Franco a run in the car for the next five races. The field is incredibly tight this year, and with our car now more competitive, we want to fully assess our options for 2026. This is the right moment to try something new.”

Despite the change, Briatore emphasized the team’s ongoing support for Doohan, calling him “professional” and confirming he will continue as Alpine’s primary reserve driver.

Doohan’s seat had been under scrutiny since Alpine signed Colapinto from Williams over the winter — a move that sparked early speculation about the 22-year-old’s future. With a best finish of 13th in China and all of Alpine’s points scored by Gasly, Doohan’s lack of results ultimately prompted the team to act.

Colapinto, 21, will begin his Alpine stint at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 18. He will also race in Monaco, Spain, Canada, and Austria as part of a crucial five-race evaluation. The Argentine driver impressed during a nine-race run with Williams last year, scoring points in Baku and Austin, though his campaign was marred by a few major incidents.

“I’m grateful to the team for this opportunity,” said Colapinto. “I’ve been preparing through simulator work and testing, and I’m ready to take on the challenge. The triple-header will be tough, but I’m fully committed to making the most of it.”

Alpine’s decision to shake up its driver lineup comes amid a period of transition for the team, which also saw Team Principal Oliver Oakes resign just a day prior.