Jack Doohan has admitted his disappointment after being replaced at Alpine by Franco Colapinto for the next five rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The Australian, who had hoped to cement his place in the sport during his rookie year, will now revert to his role as reserve driver while the team reassesses its long-term strategy.
The decision to sideline Doohan comes following a tough start to the year, with the 22-year-old yet to score a championship point.
Despite showing promise in qualifying, most notably by outpacing teammate Pierre Gasly in Miami, Doohan’s season has been marred by a string of incidents and inconsistent race pace.
His Miami Grand Prix ended on the first lap after contact with Liam Lawson, a setback that may have sealed his temporary exit from the race seat.
Alpine’s decision also coincides with the surprise resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, intensifying speculation around internal changes at the Enstone-based team.
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For now, Alpine has opted for a five-race trial with Colapinto starting in Imola, with a fresh evaluation to follow after the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
Doohan vows to keep pushing despite difficult decision
While the move may have stung, Doohan has responded with professionalism and maturity, acknowledging the situation but promising to stay engaged and continue contributing behind the scenes.
“I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula 1 driver, and I will forever be grateful to the team for helping me achieve this dream,” Doohan said.
“Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing.”
“That said, I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment. We have long-term goals as a team to achieve, and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those.
“For now, I will keep my head down, keep working hard, watch with interest the next five races and keep chasing my own personal goals.”
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who is temporarily overseeing team operations following Oakes’ departure, framed the switch as part of a broader evaluation process ahead of major rule changes in 2026.
“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,” Briatore said.
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up.”
“We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season. The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”
Colapinto, who previously raced in nine Grand Prix for Williams in 2024 and impressed with a points finish in Baku, will step into the car beginning at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
The Argentine also brings commercial support from home, which could play a role in Alpine’s marketing and sponsorship strategy over the coming races.
Why was Jack Doohan replaced at Alpine?
Doohan was replaced by Franco Colapinto after failing to score points in the opening six races of the 2025 season. The team is evaluating future options.
Will Jack Doohan return to F1 in 2025?
Doohan remains Alpine’s reserve driver and could be reinstated depending on Colapinto’s performance in the next five races.
Who is Franco Colapinto and why is he racing for Alpine?
Franco Colapinto is Alpine’s reserve driver. He impressed in a Williams cameo in 2024 and is being trialled to help the team decide its 2026 line-up.
