Alpine has announced that Franco Colapinto will take over from Jack Doohan for the upcoming five races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
The French team revealed on Wednesday a somewhat unconventional move to “rotate” the driver occupying the second seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
As a result, Colapinto`s position will be reviewed before the British Grand Prix in July, which leaves open the possibility of Jack Doohan returning later in the season.
Alpine`s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, explained the decision: “After evaluating the initial races this season, we decided to place Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five events. Given how tight the competition is this year, and with a competitive car the team has significantly improved over the last year, we believe rotating our line-up is necessary.”
Briatore also highlighted the future implications: “We recognize the 2026 season will be crucial for the team, and conducting a thorough, impartial assessment of drivers this year is the appropriate action to fully realize our objectives next year.”
He added that the team still supports Doohan: “We continue to support Jack within the team; he has performed professionally in his role as a race driver this season. The upcoming five races offer us a chance to test a different approach, after which we will evaluate our alternatives.”
Speculation about Doohan`s drive had been circulating since Alpine signed Colapinto to a reserve driver role in January.
The Argentine driver impressed many by performing well when he substituted for Logan Sargeant at Williams for nine races last year, which significantly boosted his profile.
Williams loaned him to Alpine for this year with the expectation that he would gain some competitive racing experience.
Franco Colapinto shared his thoughts on the opportunity: “First, I wish to express my gratitude to the team for providing this chance to compete in the next five races. I plan to work diligently with the team to get ready for the upcoming Imola race and the subsequent triple-header, which I know will be demanding and a significant test for everyone.”
Colapinto confirmed his readiness, stating: “I`ve kept myself sharp and feel as prepared as possible thanks to the team`s race support testing program and simulator work at Enstone. I will strive to adapt quickly and give my utmost to achieve the best results possible alongside Pierre.”
In his five races this year, Doohan faced challenges, including several incidents, and found it difficult to consistently match the qualifying pace or race finishes of his teammate, Pierre Gasly.
Jack Doohan commented on the change: “I am very proud to have realized my dream of becoming a professional Formula One driver and am incredibly thankful to the team for helping me achieve this. Understandably, this current situation is difficult for me, as any professional driver naturally wants to be competing.”
Doohan added: “Nonetheless, I value the team`s confidence and dedication. We have long-term goals as a team, and I will keep contributing my full effort in whatever way I can to help reach them.”
He concluded: “For now, I will stay focused, continue working hard, watch the next five races with interest, and pursue my personal aspirations.”
Separately, on Tuesday, Alpine confirmed the immediate resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes. Flavio Briatore will assume Oakes` responsibilities.
Interestingly, just the previous Friday at the Miami Grand Prix, Oakes had stated that the plan at that time was for Doohan to continue driving alongside Gasly in the next race at Imola, indicating a rapid change in team strategy.
