Formula 1 Alpine reportedly considering replacing Doohan with Colapinto before next race

Alpine is weighing a driver change, potentially replacing Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for the next Formula 1 race at Imola. Doohan’s rookie season has been turbulent, marked by a first lap crash in Miami and earlier incidents in Australia, China, and Japan, raising doubts about his seat. Colapinto, recently signed as Alpine’s reserve driver from Williams on a multi-year deal, is a strong contender to step in. 

He has the support of advisor Flavio Briatore and brings significant sponsorship from South American brands like Mercado Libre and YPF. While team principal Oliver Oakes has not confirmed the switch, he left the door open, stating, “As it is today, Jack is our driver along with Pierre Gasly.” Speculation intensified after a YPF CEO’s hot mic comment hinted at Colapinto debuting at Imola, though later clarified as a personal hope. 

Social media posts and reports from outlets like The Race and RacingNews365 have fueled the rumor mill, pointing to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as a possible debut for Colapinto. Doohan has shown competitive pace at times, often matching Gasly, but his recurring mistakes have put his position in jeopardy. A driver change would mark a bold move for Alpine as they aim to stabilize their lineup and capitalize on Colapinto’s potential and commercial backing. 

The F1 community is watching closely to see if Alpine will make the switch at Imola.