Alpine Benchmarks Rookie Driver Jack Doohan, Replaces Him with Franco Colapinto
In a significant early-season shake-up, Alpine has replaced Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto after just four races of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The decision comes amid mounting pressure on Doohan, who faced a performance clause in his contract that allowed for his removal after a limited number of races.
Doohan’s exit follows a series of challenging performances, which included being outpaced by both teammates and competitors, exacerbated by the steep learning curve presented by current ground-effect cars. Colapinto, who has previously demonstrated strong pace within the Williams driver development program, was brought into the Alpine fold as a test and reserve driver earlier this year, indicating a strategic move by the team that many within the paddock had anticipated.
Haas rookie Oliver Bearman commented on Doohan’s predicament, stating, “It’s very difficult in that situation to have that pressure weighing over your head from race one. I think his treatment was very unfair,” underscoring the challenges faced by rookies adapting to unfamiliar tracks and the high expectations placed upon them.
Rookie Isack Hadjar reflected on the undue pressure Doohan faced, saying, "He entered the season with a lot of expectations. Six races in, he didn’t have much time to show anything – and it’s not like he had a rocket ship.”
The implications of such a swift decision have sparked varied reactions within the paddock. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso argued against the notion of excessive pressure on rookies, asserting, “They know all the circuits, they do simulator, they prepare very well,” contrasting the modern driver development environment with his own early career experience.
As Colapinto prepares for his debut in Imola, Alpine’s decision reflects the urgency and high stakes within the team’s competitive strategy. His performance in the upcoming races will be crucial as he seeks to solidify his position alongside established driver Pierre Gasly.
