Is Franco Colapinto Taking Over from Jack Doohan for Alpine in the Next Five Races?
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Synopsis
In an exciting shift for the Alpine F1 team, Franco Colapinto is stepping in for Jack Doohan for the next five races, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. This decision is part of a strategic rotation amid ongoing evaluations, promising a thrilling season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Franco Colapinto replaces Jack Doohan for the next five races.
- The rotation starts at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
- Doohan remains as the first-choice reserve driver.
- This decision is part of an ongoing evaluation of the team's lineup.
- Flavio Briatore will take over team principal duties.
New Delhi, May 7 (NationPress) The Alpine F1 team has officially announced that Franco Colapinto will be stepping in for Jack Doohan during the next five race weekends, commencing with the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. This decision comes as the team opts to rotate the race seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
"In an ongoing evaluation of its driver line-up, the team has opted to rotate one of its race seats for the next five rounds of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship.
"Thus, the BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Franco Colapinto will partner with Pierre Gasly from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, ahead of a fresh assessment before the British Grand Prix in July," the Alpine statement disclosed.
The statement further noted that Doohan will continue with the team as the primary reserve driver.
"Jack Doohan remains a crucial part of the team and will serve as the first-choice Reserve Driver during this timeframe," it affirmed.
Previously, Doohan served as a reserve driver for the Enstone-based team, and last summer it was revealed he would be promoted to the main race team for 2025. The 22-year-old made an earlier-than-anticipated debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, following the exit of Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, as reported by Formula 1.
After kicking off his first full-time campaign this year, Doohan faced challenges in keeping pace with teammate Gasly, culminating in a retirement in Miami due to a Lap 1 collision with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson.
The discussions around Doohan's future with the team have been rampant since Colapinto joined as a reserve in January, with Oakes recently attempting to quell those speculations during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Colapinto made his F1 debut last year as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant at Williams and made an immediate impression, leading other teams to consider him for a race seat in 2025.
"First off, I want to express my gratitude to the team for providing me with the chance to compete in the next five races. I will put in the effort alongside the team to prepare for the upcoming race in Imola and the subsequent triple-header, which promises to be intense and a significant challenge for all of us.
"I’ve remained sharp and am as prepared as possible with the team’s race support testing program, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I’m committed to getting up to speed quickly and delivering the best results possible alongside Pierre," stated Colapinto.
This driver change announcement from Alpine follows the news that Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes has resigned effectively immediately. Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will take over the responsibilities previously held by the Briton.
Point of View
It's essential to acknowledge Alpine's strategic decision to rotate drivers as a calculated move to enhance performance. This shift not only highlights the team's commitment to evaluating talent but also reflects the dynamic nature of Formula 1, where adaptability and skill are paramount. We remain committed to providing our audience with accurate and timely updates on this evolving story.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan?
Franco Colapinto is stepping in for Jack Doohan as part of Alpine's strategy to rotate their driver lineup for the next five races, aiming to enhance performance.
What races will Colapinto compete in?
Colapinto will race starting from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix and will participate in the subsequent four races.
What is Jack Doohan's role now?
Jack Doohan remains with the Alpine team as the first-choice reserve driver during this period.
What prompted the driver rotation?
The decision for driver rotation comes as part of an ongoing assessment of the team's performance and the need for strategic adjustments.
Who will take over the duties of the resigned team principal?
Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will cover the responsibilities previously held by the resigned team principal, Oliver Oakes.
