In a thrilling turn of events for Formula 1 fans, Franco Colapinto is set to make his return to the grid, officially announced by Alpine on May 7, 2025. The 21-year-old Argentine driver will replace Jack Doohan for at least the next five races, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola from May 16 to May 18. This decision comes in light of Doohan's struggles to score points in the early part of the season, where he faced several challenges including a crash in the Miami Grand Prix.
Colapinto, who debuted in F1 in 2024 with Williams, is eager to seize this opportunity to showcase his talent and contribute to Alpine's performance. His previous stint saw him participating in nine races, where he managed to accumulate five points, finishing eighth in Azerbaijan and tenth in the Circuit of the Americas. "I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will undoubtedly be intense and a big challenge for everyone," Colapinto expressed in a video message.
Alpine's decision to rotate their driver lineup comes after a comprehensive assessment of the team's performance and Doohan's inability to score any points in the first six races of the season. The team emphasized that this change is part of a strategic move to enhance competitiveness, especially given the close nature of this year's grid and the improvements made to their car over the past year. Flavio Briatore, who has taken on a more active role as executive advisor following the resignation of team director Oliver Oakes, stated, "With such a competitive grid this year and a car that has improved dramatically, we see the need to rotate our lineup."
Doohan, who was promoted to the main team last summer to replace Esteban Ocon, expressed his disappointment but also pride in having achieved his dream of being a professional F1 driver. "This last chapter is hard to accept for me. As a professional driver, I naturally want to be competing," he said. Despite his struggles, Alpine has confirmed that Doohan will remain an integral part of the team as the reserve driver, ready to step in if needed.
Colapinto's return is particularly significant as he becomes the first Argentine driver in F1 since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001, reviving hopes among fans for a strong representation in the sport. His journey back to the grid has been marked by hard work and dedication, as he has remained active in the team's simulator and testing programs since joining Alpine as a reserve in January 2025.
The upcoming races for Colapinto with Alpine include the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix, Canadian Grand Prix, and Austrian Grand Prix. Each of these events presents a unique challenge, and Colapinto's performance will be closely monitored as the team re-evaluates its strategy going forward.
As Colapinto prepares for his first race back, the excitement is palpable not only for him but also for fans who have been eagerly awaiting his return to the sport. "I can't wait to start, I'm super excited. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting the team and me when I wasn't racing. I hope we can achieve good results together," he added.
With the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix just around the corner, all eyes will be on Colapinto as he takes to the track in Imola, aiming to make a significant impact in his second stint in Formula 1. Will he be able to capitalize on this opportunity and secure his place as a long-term option for Alpine? The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining his future in the sport.
