Jack Doohan has been let go by Alpine just six races into his debut season in Formula 1. Franco Colapinto has been appointed as his replacement, secured by a five-race contract beginning with the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Alpine’s decision to replace Doohan with Colapinto highlights their strategic move to boost performance as they prepare for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s restructuring efforts this season. Colapinto will partner with Pierre Gasly over the next five races, bringing fresh hope and potential to the team as they navigate the complexities of the highly competitive 2025 Formula 1 season.
Doohan, who will take on a reserve driver role for Alpine, has seen his opportunity diminish after failing to score a point in the first six races of the season. His dismissal marks a trend in the sport, where young drivers face intense pressure; he becomes the second driver this year to be replaced, following Red Bull’s recent demotion of Liam Lawson after just two outings. This early replacement places a spotlight on the cutthroat nature of Formula 1, where performance expectations are mercilessly high.
The speculation surrounding Doohan’s future began even before the season kicked off. The signing of Colapinto in January as a reserve driver for Alpine sparked rumors about Doohan’s position, exacerbating the pressure as the Australian struggled to find his footing during the initial rounds. The ongoing discourse within the paddock suggested that Colapinto’s arrival might signify an impending shift in Alpine’s driver lineup, casting a long shadow over Doohan’s debut.
Franco Colapinto, now stepping into the spotlight, captivated attention by securing a strong following and significant sponsorship support from Argentina. He showcased his talent during nine race appearances with Williams towards the end of the previous season. However, he also faces considerable scrutiny. As he fills in for Doohan, team management refers to this as part of an ‘ongoing assessment’ of their driver roster, emphasizing the critical nature of evaluation in the pursuit of competitive success.
The announcement on Wednesday comes on the heels of a key leadership change within the Alpine team. Oliver Oakes resigned as team principal, a role that has now been taken on by Flavio Briatore, a seasoned executive known for guiding multiple championship-winning teams in the past. His track record in Formula 1, particularly with Benetton and Renault, positions him as a vital figure in stabilizing Alpine during this transitional phase.
In the official communication confirming the driver change, Briatore elaborated: “After carefully evaluating the early races of the season, we have arrived at the conclusion that it is best to place Franco in the car to team up with Pierre for the next five races. This year, with the field so tightly contested and our car having undergone significant improvements, it’s imperative that we remain flexible with our lineup. The 2026 season is looming large for us, and achieving comprehensive evaluations of our drivers this year is essential to fulfilling our ambitions for the future.”
Despite the decision to let him go, Briatore reassured Doohan of the team’s continued support, acknowledging his professionalism throughout the early season. “Jack has conducted himself exceptionally well as a race driver so far. The next five races will allow us to test a new approach, and following that, we will review our options,” he stated.
After three years in a reserve capacity, Doohan finally secured his chance with Alpine in August of the previous year but faced challenges right from the start. He was also called upon to drive in the last race of 2024, replacing Esteban Ocon, a decision that raised expectations. However, the quick validation of Colapinto’s role as a reserve intensified the dialogues concerning Doohan’s viability as a primary driver as the season progressed. Media inquiries regarding the ongoing situation became a common theme at press conferences, further amplifying the scrutiny on both drivers.
While Doohan exhibited glimpses of potential speed during the season, he struggled with major crashes—particularly at the season opener in Australia and during the third round in Japan. These incidents not only added pressure but also influenced his performance, which seemed to culminate in frustration evident during the most recent race weekend in Miami when he lashed out over team radio after being eliminated from Sprint Qualifying. This moment captured the stress many drivers experience under competitive duress.
Reflecting on his journey, Doohan expressed, “Achieving my lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula 1 driver fills me with immense pride, and I am incredibly thankful to the team for aiding in my pursuit of this ambition. However, it’s difficult to accept this latest development; naturally, I yearn to be in the race. I appreciate the faith the team has shown in me. We all have long-term aspirations, and I will continue to contribute to the best of my ability to help reach those goals. For now, my focus is on keeping my head down, working diligently, watching the next five races unfold, and pursuing my personal objectives.”
Colapinto’s ascension from reserve driver to key competitor is indicative of the unique and often unpredictable nature of Formula 1 careers. He conveyed his eagerness by stating, “I want to express my gratitude to the team for this chance to drive competitively over the next five races. I’ll be putting in the work to gear up for the upcoming race in Imola, especially with the challenging triple-header approaching. I’ve stayed prepared and ready with the team’s race support and simulator training. My goal is to acclimate quickly and deliver my best performances alongside Pierre.”
After stepping in to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams in the latter rounds of 2024, Colapinto was initially left in a precarious position for the 2025 season, as Williams’ established duo of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz left him without immediate prospects. Following initial strides that saw him earning points in two of his first four races, his latter season form faltered due to several crashes, leaving him to serve as a reserve driver for the current year.
Colapinto’s shock move to Alpine in January brought fresh possibilities, though the details of this arrangement remained largely ambiguous at first; it has since emerged that it is structured as a five-year loan. This newfound opportunity presents him with five crucial races to cement his standing at Alpine. Meanwhile, the team has a reserve driver duo of Doohan and potentially 21-year-old Estonian Paul Aron ready to step in as the situation evolves. These transitions underscore the dynamic landscape of Formula 1, where success demands constant evaluation and adaptation to remain competitive in the exhilarating world of motorsport.
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