In a dramatic shake-up at Alpine F1, Australian driver Jack Doohan has been demoted from his race seat after a challenging start to the 2025 season. Argentinian talent Franco Colapinto will take over for the next five Grands Prix, beginning with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on May 18. This decision coincides with significant leadership changes within the team, including the resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes and the appointment of Flavio Briatore as his interim replacement.

Doohan’s Struggles Lead to Demotion

Jack Doohan’s rookie season has been marred by inconsistent performances and incidents on track. Notably, he failed to score points in the first six races, with a best finish of 13th and a retirement at the Miami Grand Prix following a first-lap collision. These results, coupled with strategic missteps and penalties, contributed to Alpine’s decision to reevaluate their driver lineup. Doohan will remain with the team as a reserve driver during this period.

Colapinto’s Opportunity to Impress

Franco Colapinto, previously a reserve driver for Alpine and formerly associated with Williams, has been granted a five-race stint to prove his capabilities. His tenure will be assessed ahead of the British Grand Prix in July, determining his future with the team. Colapinto’s promotion reflects Alpine’s strategy to explore new options and optimize their driver lineup for upcoming seasons.

Leadership Turmoil at Alpine

The driver change comes amid internal upheaval at Alpine. Team Principal Oliver Oakes resigned just six races into the season, reportedly due to disagreements over driver decisions. Flavio Briatore, a seasoned and

Jack Doohan brutally axed; Alpine give Franco Colapinto five races to impress… read more

controversial figure in F1, has stepped in as interim team principal. Briatore’s influence is evident in the recent driver swap and the team’s strategic direction, including plans to switch to Mercedes engines in 2026.

Looking Ahead

As Alpine navigates this transitional phase, all eyes will be on Colapinto’s performance in the upcoming races. The team’s decisions during this period will be crucial in shaping their competitiveness and stability in the highly contested F1 landscape.