F1: Alpine confirms Colapinto as Doohan’s replacement for next five rounds

Alpine on Wednesday has confirmed that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five race weekends, starting from the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with the team deciding to “rotate” the race seat alongside Pierre Gasly.

The news comes following the shock conformation of team principal Oliver Oakes resignation yesterday with immediate effect. Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will be covering the duties previously performed by the Briton.

It was announced last summer that Doohan was set to be promoted to the main race squad for 2025 after serving as a reserve driver. The 22-year-old was then given an earlier-than-expected debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, following the departure of Esteban Ocon to Haas

After starting his first full-time campaign this season, Doohan has struggled to match team mate Gasly, and his troubles continued last time out in Miami, where he retired from the race following a Lap 1 collision with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson.

On the other hand, his vacant seat will be filled by Colapinto for the next five rounds, with the Argentinian having been signed to the outfit as one of its reserve drivers following his impressive nine-race run as a substitute for Williams in 2024.