Colapinto to Replace Doohan at Alpine F1
Imola, Italy – In a significant shake-up, Alpine F1 Team has announced Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan as the race driver starting at the upcoming Imola Grand Prix. The decision follows a lackluster performance from Doohan, leading Alpine to make the switch for at least the next five races.
Colapinto, 21, recently served as a reserve driver for Alpine. He previously raced for Williams F1 during the 2024 season, where he demonstrated potential despite challenges. His top finish was eighth place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but crashes in Las Vegas and Brazil ultimately hampered his prospects.
Having started his motorsport journey in karting at the age of 10 in Argentina, Colapinto made a steady ascent through various categories. He gained significant recognition by winning the Spanish F4 Championship in 2019 after initially finishing ninth in his debut season. His move to Formula Renault Eurocup and the Toyota Racing Series in 2020 resulted in strong performances, finishing third in both championships that year.
Colapinto finished his first season in Formula 3 (F3) in 2022 with two race wins, subsequently being signed by the Williams Academy. His transition to Formula 2 (F2) saw him claim an early win at Imola in 2024, showcasing his capability as a competitor.
Alpine’s decision underscores a commitment to enhancing performance in the highly competitive Formula 1 landscape, as Colapinto now aims to leverage his experience and work alongside the team to secure positive results in the upcoming races.
