BWT Alpine F1 Team has announced a change in their driver lineup, with Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan for the next five rounds of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This change is effective starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Jack Doohan, who will transition to a reserve driver role within the team, is being replaced after failing to score points in the initial six races of the season. This makes the 22-year-old Australian the second young driver this year to be replaced, following Red Bull`s decision to move Liam Lawson back to their junior team after just two races.
Speculation about Doohan`s position began even before his rookie season started, especially after Alpine signed Colapinto from Williams as a reserve driver in January. Colapinto, 21, garnered significant attention and sponsorship from Argentina, particularly after impressing in nine appearances for Williams at the end of the previous season.
Alpine describes this change as a `rotation` that is part of `an on-going assessment` of their driver lineup. Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore commented on the decision, stating, “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.” He added that the move is necessary in the closely matched field and aims for a “complete and fair assessment” of drivers ahead of the important 2026 season.
Briatore also affirmed continued support for Doohan, acknowledging his professionalism and stating that the next five races offer an opportunity to “try something different” before assessing options further.
For Doohan, the demotion is understandably difficult after achieving his goal of becoming an F1 driver. He expressed gratitude to the team but admitted it`s “tough to take” as he naturally wants to be racing. He stated he would “keep his head down, keep working hard” and support the team.
Colapinto`s path to this race seat is somewhat unconventional. He thanked the team for the opportunity and stated his readiness, having prepared through the team`s race support testing program and simulator work. He aims to get “up to speed quickly” and deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre Gasly.
Colapinto previously drove for Williams in the final nine races of 2024 after replacing Logan Sargeant. He showed strong form initially with two points finishes but experienced crashes later in the season. Despite seemingly having no direct path to a Williams race seat for 2025, he moved to Alpine as a reserve in January 2025, reportedly on a five-year loan deal from Williams. Now, he has this five-race window to make his mark.
This driver change also comes shortly after the resignation of Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes on Tuesday evening, with Flavio Briatore taking over his duties.
Colapinto now faces immediate pressure, knowing that reserve drivers like Doohan and potentially Paul Aron (21-year-old Estonian) are waiting for their chance.
Gilbert Pendleton