Alpine have decided to replace Franco Colapinto with Jack Doohan for the next five Formula 1 races, Afrosport reports.
The decision to axe Doohan comes after just six races of the 2025 F1 season, failing to score any points, and had a weekend to forget at the Miami Grand Prix where he collided with the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and ultimately retired from the race.
The 22-year-old Australian’s seat has been under scrutiny ever since Alpine signed Colapinto from Williams over the winter. It also comes after Oliver Oakes resigned from his role as team principal.
“Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races,” Alpine Executive AdvisorFlavio Briatore said per the F1 website.
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up. We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do in order to maximise our ambitions next year.
“We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season. The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”
Colapinto will participate alongside Pierre Gasly in the upcoming triple header of races in Imola, Monaco and Spain followed by races in Canada and Austria.
The Argentine driver impressed during a nine-race stint with Williams towards the end of last season after he replaced Logan Sargeant.
He finished eighth and 10th in Azerbaijan and Austin and immediately won the hearts of the F1 paddock.
Colapinto is back on the grid in new colours…
Vamos, Franco!
#F1 pic.twitter.com/V5kkxQa5EV
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 7, 2025
Speaking on the promotion of his Alpine race seat, Colapinto said: “Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races.
“I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone.
“I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team’s race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre.”
Meanwhile, Doohan will remain a part of the Alpine team and will serve as its first-choice reserve driver during the five-race period.
