Alpine F1 Team’s Driver Switch Sparks Controversy Ahead of Emilia-Romagna GP
Imola, Italy – In a surprising twist, Alpine’s leadership has contradicted the recent announcement of Franco Colapinto’s promotion to a race seat for the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix and the following four races. The team initially stated on May 7 that Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan, who has struggled to secure points in the 2025 season.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s recently reinstated team leader following the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, clarified to Sky Italy that the timeline for Colapinto’s race appearances is not fixed. “Franco will race as much as needed. I read somewhere that he’ll have five races, but no, there’s no set limit,” Briatore emphasized. He underscored the importance of performance, stating: “He needs to be fast, not crash, and score points.”
This statement contradicts the official press release, which distinctly noted Colapinto’s seat was secured for "the next five races." Briatore’s comments suggest a more fluid approach to the driver lineup as the team evaluates their options moving forward.
Regarding Oakes’s departure, Briatore indicated it stemmed from "personal issues" and dismissed rumors of discord within the team, affirming a solid working relationship. “This is a united team,” he asserted.
While Briatore is now steering the Enstone-based outfit, he has not taken on a formal title; Racing Director Dave Greenwood will act as the team representative for administrative functions. “Nothing changes — the organisational chart has shifted a bit, but everything else stays the same,” Briatore noted.
As the team approaches the Emilia-Romagna GP, the focus will be on Colapinto’s performance amidst this tumultuous transition. The race weekend will serve as a pivotal moment for Alpine as they look to regain momentum in the championship.
Additional Reporting by Gianluca D’Alessandro
