Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan at Alpine, with a five-race evaluation beginning in May.

 Franco Colapinto will drive for Alpine for the next five races, stepping in for Jack Doohan, who has yet to score a point in his F1 career. Colapinto, 21, was signed by Alpine over the winter after spending 2024 with Williams, where he raced in nine grands prix.

The Argentine driver will join teammate Pierre Gasly at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on 16-18 May. Alpine stated that Colapinto’s performance would be evaluated again before the British Grand Prix in July, with the team keen to make a thorough assessment ahead of the pivotal 2026 season.

Doohan, who has been with Alpine since the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, faces a temporary exit from the main race seat, though the team reassured that he remains an “integral part of Alpine” and will serve as the first-choice reserve driver during this period. The decision was made after reviewing the season’s opening races, where Doohan’s performances were deemed below expectations.

Alpine’s executive adviser, Flavio Briatore, stated that the switch reflects the team’s need for a “complete and fair assessment” of their drivers. “We have a competitive car and need to rotate our line-up to ensure we’re in the best position for 2026,” he explained. “Jack has acted professionally, and we continue to support him as part of the Alpine family.”

Colapinto, who is eager to prove his worth, commented, “The next few races, especially with three consecutive weekends in Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona, will be intense. I’ll work hard to get up to speed and deliver the best results alongside Pierre.”

Despite the tough news for Doohan, the Australian accepted the decision with grace. “It’s a tough situation,” he said. “Naturally, as a professional, I want to be racing, but I respect the team’s long-term goals. I’ll keep my head down and work hard, focusing on my personal goals and supporting the team in every way I can.”

This move follows a series of internal issues at Alpine, with the team underperforming in 2025. After finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship in 2024, the team is now languishing in ninth place after six races, with only seven points. The Alpine A523 car has not shown the expected pace, averaging the seventh-fastest times.

The decision to replace Doohan comes just hours after Oliver Oakes, the team principal, resigned, further adding to the instability at Alpine. Briatore, who has been actively involved in the team’s strategic direction, will assume the role of team principal once more. His appointment had raised eyebrows, given his controversial past, including his involvement in the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal, but Renault CEO Luca de Meo believes his experience is key to Alpine’s future.

The team’s internal struggles go beyond driver changes. Renault’s decision to phase out its long-standing engine programme in favour of Mercedes engines for 2026 has also added to the uncertainty. Meanwhile, technical director David Sanchez faces mounting pressure as Alpine’s performance stagnates.

Despite the setbacks, Briatore remains committed to reshaping the team’s future, acknowledging the challenges but maintaining optimism for long-term success. For now, Colapinto’s performance in the next five races will be closely scrutinised, with his seat potentially secure if he can outperform expectations.