The Alpine Formula 1 team has officially confirmed that Franco Colapinto will take over from Jack Doohan for the upcoming five races, beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
On Wednesday, the French team announced its somewhat unconventional decision to `rotate` the driver occupying the second seat alongside Pierre Gasly.
Colapinto`s position will consequently be reviewed before the British Grand Prix scheduled for July. This leaves the possibility open for Doohan to return later in the season.
“After reviewing the initial races of the season, we have decided to place Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races,” stated Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore. “Given how competitive the field is this year, and with a strong car that the team has significantly improved over the last 12 months, we find ourselves needing to rotate our lineup.
“We also recognize the 2026 season will be crucial for the team, and conducting a thorough and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the correct approach to maximize our ambitions for next year,” Briatore added.
“We continue to support Jack within the team, as he has conducted himself very professionally in his role as a race driver thus far this season. The next five races will provide us with an opportunity to try something different, and following this period, we will evaluate our options,” he concluded.
Doohan`s place had been uncertain since Alpine signed Colapinto as a reserve driver in January.
The Argentine driver gained attention after impressing during his nine-race stint as Logan Sargeant`s substitute at Williams last year.
Williams loaned him to Alpine for this year with the expectation that he would gain some race experience.
“Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to the team for granting me the chance to compete in the next five races,” Colapinto said. “I will collaborate closely with the team to prepare for the upcoming race in Imola and the subsequent triple-header, which will undoubtedly be demanding and a significant test for everyone.”
“I have maintained my sharpness and am as prepared as possible thanks to the team`s race support testing program and simulator work at Enstone. I will do my utmost to get up to speed quickly and give my absolute best to achieve the strongest possible results alongside Pierre,” he stated.
Doohan struggled to make an impact in his five races this year, experiencing several incidents and finding it difficult to match the qualifying pace or race finishes of his teammate, Pierre Gasly.
“I am extremely proud to have achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula One driver, and I will forever be thankful to the team for helping me realize this ambition,” Doohan commented. “Naturally, this recent development is difficult for me to accept because, as a professional driver, I obviously want to be racing.”
“That said, I appreciate the team`s trust and dedication. We have long-term objectives as a team to achieve, and I will continue to provide my maximum effort in any capacity I can to help reach those goals,” he added.
“For now, I will keep my head down, continue working hard, observe the next five races with interest, and keep pursuing my personal goals,” Doohan concluded.
Earlier on Tuesday, Alpine confirmed that team principal Oliver Oakes had resigned with immediate effect, with Briatore assuming Oakes` responsibilities.
As recently as the Friday before the Miami Grand Prix, Oakes had stated that the current plan was for Doohan to remain alongside Gasly for the following event in Imola.
Rupert Caldwell