Alpine continues its revolution: Franco Colapinto will take to the track in Imola – Doohan is OUT
Alpine shakes things up again: following the sudden departure of Team Principal Oliver Oakes and the shock return of Flavio Briatore to a leadership role, the team has delivered another blow – this time far less unexpected. As previously hinted, Jack Doohan has been benched for five Grands Prix, with Franco Colapinto set to race alongside Pierre Gasly starting from Imola.
This isn’t a full dismissal – at least not yet. The team refers to it as a “rotation” of the second seat, part of an “ongoing evaluation” of its driver line-up. But the message is loud and clear: after a disappointing start to his 2025 campaign, Doohan is under scrutiny. Mistakes, crashes, and zero points: the Lap 1 retirement in Miami and the heavy crash in Suzuka have left their mark.
Briatore isn’t wasting any time: “With such a tightly packed midfield, everything must be evaluated. 2026 will be crucial. We want the best.”
Doohan out, Colapinto in: the details
The 22-year-old Australian – who made his debut unexpectedly in 2024 following Ocon’s early exit – will now watch from the sidelines as the team’s Reserve Driver. His reaction was mature: “It’s tough to take, but I’ll keep pushing and giving my best. I’m not giving up.”
Replacing him is Franco Colapinto, the Argentinian talent who impressed in 2024 with Williams. Nine races, a few costly mistakes (crashes in São Paulo and Las Vegas), but also strong points finishes in Austin and Baku. Alpine is now betting on his raw pace to see if he could be the right fit for the future: “Thanks to the team for the trust. I’ll be ready – Imola will be a huge challenge, but I’m excited.”
The next five races – Imola, Monaco, Canada, Spain, and Austria – will be key for the Argentinian. A verdict is expected by Silverstone. If Colapinto delivers, Doohan’s future with Alpine could become seriously uncertain. The ball is now in Franco’s court.
Photo: Formula 1
