Franco Colapinto will not be stepping in for Jack Doohan at the upcoming Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, despite swirling rumours triggered by a major Argentine sponsor.
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has publicly dismissed the speculation, reaffirming the team’s commitment to Doohan for the next round of the 2025 season.
The story gathered traction after Horacio Marín, the CEO of Argentina’s state oil company YPF, appeared to suggest in an off-air moment during a La Nación+ broadcast that Colapinto would replace Doohan and drive for Alpine at Imola.
The clip quickly circulated on social media and stirred excitement among Argentine fans, particularly those following Colapinto’s rising trajectory through the ranks of F1 feeder series and his current role as Alpine’s reserve driver.
However, Oakes put an end to the rumour during the team principals’ press conference in Miami, ahead of the sixth round of the 2025 season.
Oakes calls sponsor speculation “just noise”
“I saw it like everyone else,” Oakes told the press when asked about the video. “I think it was a sponsor from Argentina off-camera giving his view on Franco, when he’s going to be in the car. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in Argentina who’d like him in the car this Sunday.”
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Colapinto’s growing popularity in South America has made him a national hero in waiting, particularly as Argentina has not had a full-time Formula 1 driver since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001. YPF, which sponsors both Colapinto and Alpine, has been vocal in its support.
Marín later walked back his statement, clarifying: “What I’m saying is that I hope he races at Imola. And if that happens, he’ll call me.”
Oakes, however, downplayed the suggestion of a driver switch: “We’ve been pretty open as a team, and that’s just noise out there. Jack needs to continue doing a good job, but I think obviously it’s natural that there’s always that speculation there.”
Doohan, now in his first full F1 season with Alpine, has endured a difficult start to 2025. Still adapting to the demands of the top tier and working to close the gap to teammate Pierre Gasly, the Australian remains part of the long-term vision for the Enstone-based team.
Alpine’s statement of intent to back Doohan quells any short-term speculation while leaving the door open to Colapinto in the future. For now, the focus remains on performance — not off-air rumours.
