Franco Colapinto replaces Jack Doohan as Alpine's driver
- Franco Colapinto has been promoted to race for Alpine Formula 1 team, taking Jack Doohan's seat after a disappointing performance.
- Doohan has failed to score any points and crashed multiple times, raising concerns about his abilities as a rookie driver.
- Alpine's decision reflects both performance needs and the desire to strengthen commercial ties with sponsors, as they prepare for future races.
In early May 2025, amidst a challenging season in the Formula 1 circuit, Alpine Racing Team made a notable driver change ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. Franco Colapinto has been promoted to replace Jack Doohan, who faced a series of disappointing performances throughout the season. Doohan, a rookie driver, had not scored any points in six races and recorded a best finish of 13th. Media speculation about a possible replacement had surged, particularly after Doohan's lackluster performance in Miami, which included crashing into another car during the opening lap and crashing again a short time later. Franco Colapinto, who has been with Alpine as a reserve driver since January 2025, was preferred for his commercial appeal and his connections to key sponsors, which positioned him as a viable alternative to Doohan despite his own inexperience. Reports indicate that the executive advisor of Alpine, Flavio Briatore, has been instrumental in promoting Colapinto due to his strong ties to Latin American sponsors. As Alpine sits in ninth place in the F1 constructors’ standings, the change is viewed as a strategic move to enhance both performance and sponsorship opportunities. The decision to swap drivers comes after Oliver Oakes resigned as team principal, which indicates a potential shakeup within the team hierarchy. Despite being sidelined, Doohan will remain part of Alpine’s driver roster, suggesting that the team still values his contributions. The upcoming evaluation before the British Grand Prix in July will likely shape the future of both Colapinto and Doohan within the team, as Alpine continues to seek improvement in their standings in the ongoing Formula 1 season. In conclusion, this driver change is not just an immediate response to performance issues, but reflects broader strategic considerations for the Alpine team as they strive for better results and maintain relationships with critical sponsors in the competitive landscape of Formula 1 racing.