Alpine Racing has officially announced a change regarding Jack Doohan, as the team has appointed Franco Colapinto as the replacement for the next five races. This decision comes amid ongoing speculation about Doohan’s future with Alpine, as he had been given a limited opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities during what has been a challenging start to his debut season. At just 22 years of age, Doohan has struggled to break into the top 10 and has faced two retirements from races.
The team’s announcement follows the immediate resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, with Flavio Briatore stepping in as interim leader. Despite these changes, Alpine has clarified that Doohan has not been officially dismissed; rather, he will take on the role of first-choice reserve driver. Briatore stated, “Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have decided to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races.” He emphasised the necessity for the team to evaluate their driver lineup as they prepare for crucial future seasons.
In response to his reassignment, Doohan expressed disappointment but acknowledged the team’s decision, voicing pride in achieving his dream of being a professional Formula 1 driver. He conveyed gratitude towards the team for their support and vowed to stay focused on his personal goals during this period.
Colapinto, now in the spotlight, has a significant task ahead of him to prove his worth during this short stint. Having recently secured an agreement with Williams, he is determined to make an impact, stating, “I want to thank the team for the opportunity to race competitively. I will work hard to prepare for the next race and the upcoming triple-header.” The 21-year-old is committed to getting up to speed quickly and aims to deliver strong results alongside teammate Pierre Gasly.
In summary, Alpine continues to navigate through this transitional phase, putting a spotlight on Colapinto while allowing Doohan to regroup and strategise for a return to the track. The upcoming races promise to be a significant proving ground for both drivers and the team as they aim to leverage their competitive car in a closely matched field.