Franco Colapinto steps in as Alpine shakes up driver lineup

 

Sourced: Formula One's Instagram

Alpine have confirmed a significant shift in its driver line up, announcing that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This decisions comes as part of the team’s strategy to rotate one of its race seats alongside Pierre Gasly, allowing for further evaluation of its driver line up before the British Grand Prix in July.

Doohan’s struggles and Colapinto’s opportunity

Doohan, who was promoted to a full-time race seat for 2025 has faced challenges in the opening rounds of the season. His lap one collision in Miami was the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about his performance. Despite flashes of potential, Alpine has opted to give Colapinto a chance to prove himself on the grid.

Colapinto, previously a reserve driver, has already demonstrated his capabilities in Formula One. His impressive performances as a substitute for Williams in 2024 caught the attention of Alpine’s management leading to his signing as a reserve driver earlier this year.

Leadership changes at Alpine

This driver swap follows another major shake up within Alpine – Team Principal Oliver Oakes has resigned, with Flavio Briatore stepping in to oversee operations. Briatore, a seasoned figure in F1 has a history of leading teams to success and his influence could play a crucial role in Alpine’s future direction.

What’s next for Alpine?

With Colapinto set to race for the next five rounds, Alpine will closely monitor his performance before making a final decision on its driver line up. The team has emphasised that Doohan remains an integral part of Alpine, serving as the first choice reserve driver during this period.

This move signals Alpine’s commitment to refining its team strategy as it prepares for the 2026 season, where new technical regulations will reshape the competitive landscape. Whether Colapinto secures a permanent seat or Alpine continues to explore other options remains to be seen.