Alpine promotes Franco Colapinto to replace Jack Doohan for the next 5 Formula 1 Grand Prix races

 Alpine promotes Franco Colapinto to replace Jack Doohan for the next 5 Formula 1 Grand Prix races

Alpine F1 Team has announced a driver change, with Franco Colapinto stepping in for Jack Doohan starting at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Colapinto, the team’s reserve driver, will race for the next five events following Doohan’s difficult first season. Despite moments of promise, such as outpacing teammate Pierre Gasly in Miami qualifying, Doohan struggled with consistency, failing to score points in six races. Notable incidents included crashes in Australia and Japan, plus a first lap collision in Miami, which ultimately led to Alpine’s decision to make the switch. Colapinto, who joined Alpine’s driver program in January, earned praise for his 2024 performances with Williams, where he scored points in Azerbaijan and the United States over nine races. His speed, combined with substantial sponsorship from Latin American companies like YPF and Mercado Libre, strengthens his case. Team advisor Flavio Briatore has been a key advocate for the Argentine driver, and rumors of this move had circulated since Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine. The 21-year-old now has a golden opportunity to showcase his talent in a race seat, while Doohan is likely to stay with Alpine in a supporting role, possibly as a test or reserve driver. This change reflects Alpine’s push for better results amid a challenging season and aligns with their commercial goals, as Colapinto’s backing boosts their financial and fanbase appeal in Latin America. The F1 community is buzzing with anticipation to see if Colapinto can replicate his Williams success and make an impact at Imola. His performance could shape Alpine’s driver lineup decisions moving forward, adding intrigue to the remaining races.