Franco Colapinto Replaces Jack Doohan at Alpine – What This Means for F1 2025
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In a not so shocking move, Alpine has announced that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan starting from the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Argentinian, previously racing in Formula 2, gets his big break after Alpine’s management decided to make a bold change following a disappointing first quarter of the season.
Colapinto, a Williams Academy driver, was released from his contract to take the Alpine seat. Doohan, who failed to score points in the first six races, will remain with Alpine as a reserve driver, leaving fans wondering if this decision will pay off for the struggling French team.
Why Alpine Made the Switch – Key Factors
- Doohan’s Underperformance – Collected zero points in the first quarter of the season, despite his teammate accumulating seven points.
- Alpine’s Need for Fresh Energy – The team sits 9th in the Constructors’ Championship, desperate for a turnaround.
How Mid-Season Driver Changes Work in F1
Unlike most sports, Formula 1 teams can change drivers mid-season, though it’s rare and usually happens only under specific circumstances.
Key Reasons for Mid-Season Driver Swaps:
Performance Issues – If a driver underperforms, teams may look for alternatives. Contract Clauses – Some deals include performance-based exit options. Emerging Talent – Young stars like Colapinto can get fast-tracked if they impress in junior series.
Alpine’s decision follows a trend of teams taking risks on young talent—similar to Red Bull’s promotion of Max Verstappen in 2016. Whether Colapinto can deliver immediately remains to be seen, but his aggressive driving style could bring much-needed excitement to Alpine’s campaign.
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