In a significant shake-up within the Alpine F1 team, Jack Doohan has been demoted from his race seat following a disappointing start to the 2025 season. The Australian driver has been replaced by Franco Colapinto for at least the next five races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 16, 2025. This move comes after Doohan's lackluster performance, where he failed to score any points in his six outings, raising questions about his future in the sport.
Doohan, the son of legendary MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, was initially brought in to replace Esteban Ocon for the 2025 season. However, his tenure has been marred by mistakes and crashes, including a severe incident during practice at Suzuka and an early exit from his home race in Australia due to wet conditions. His struggles have led to skepticism about his capabilities, with veteran racer Ralf Schumacher stating, "Jack Doohan is a nice guy, but not good enough for Formula 1. He made a lot of mistakes, was overwhelmed, and had a long test schedule. I understand Flavio Briatore's move."
Colapinto, who previously filled in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, is now set to partner with Pierre Gasly. The Argentine impressed during his stint at Williams, showcasing potential despite a few crashes, including a significant shunt in Las Vegas that registered at 50G. His promotion is seen as a strategic move by Alpine to bolster their lineup as they prepare for a major overhaul of their technical regulations in 2026, which will see them switch to customer Mercedes engines.
The decision to replace Doohan has not been without controversy. A recent poll conducted by RacingNews365 revealed that while 47.11% of fans believe Colapinto deserves a chance, 39.34% feel that Doohan should not have been replaced. This division among fans reflects the ongoing debate about the merits of both drivers and the direction of the Alpine team.
Doohan's demotion comes amid turmoil within the Alpine team management, as Oliver Oakes resigned just hours before the announcement. His departure has been linked to internal conflicts, particularly regarding communication and decision-making processes within the team. Briatore, a seasoned figure in F1, has stepped in to fill the void, but his approach has raised eyebrows, especially among those close to Oakes.
Mick Doohan has voiced his support for his son on social media, suggesting that the issues may lie more with the Alpine car than with Jack himself. He pointed out that the performance gap between Jack and Gasly was not as significant as perceived, indicating that the young driver may have been unfairly judged.
As the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix approaches, the spotlight will be on Colapinto as he steps into the cockpit of the A525. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races. I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone."
Colapinto's journey in F1 has been a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by unfortunate incidents. His debut in Monza last year was a highlight, where he impressed many with his calm demeanor and skillful driving. However, his subsequent performances have been inconsistent, leading to questions about his readiness for a full-time race seat.
In the meantime, Doohan will remain with Alpine as the first-choice reserve driver, leaving the door open for a potential return should Colapinto falter. The upcoming races will be crucial not only for Colapinto but also for the Alpine team as they seek to improve their standings after finishing sixth in the championship last year with just 65 points.
The 2026 season promises to be pivotal for Alpine, with the introduction of new engines expected to enhance their competitiveness. As they navigate this transitional phase, the performance of both Colapinto and Gasly will be under intense scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Colapinto can capitalize on this opportunity and secure his place as a permanent fixture in the F1 grid.
As the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on the Alpine team and their new lineup. Will Colapinto rise to the occasion and prove his worth in the highly competitive world of Formula 1? Or will Doohan's demotion serve as a wake-up call for the young driver to refine his skills and reclaim his spot on the grid? One thing is for sure: the upcoming races will be a test of resilience and talent for both drivers.
