Franco Colapinto returns to the Formula 1 grid for the remainder of 2025. The Argentinian driver, who made his F1 debut with Williams in 2024, now steps into a full-time race seat amid Alpine’s struggles to find consistency and points. The rookie driver is replacing Australian Jack Doohan only six races into 2025, marking a significant change to Alpine’s season campaign.
Executive adviser and acting team principal Flavio Briatore stated, “Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races.”
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up. We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do in order to maximise our ambitions next year.”
“We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season. The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”
Williams debut
Colapinto’s debut season with Williams saw him join mid-season after Logan Sargeant was replaced following the Dutch Grand Prix. This move made history as Colapinto became the first Argentinian driver to race in F1 since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001.
On debut, he qualified 18th and crossed the line in 12th on debut at Monza. However, his standout performance didn’t come until the following race in Azerbaijan. The following weekend, Colapinto stunned F1 fans by qualifying ninth and finishing eighth. Not only scoring his first points but also becoming the first Argentine driver to do so in Formula 1 since Carlos Reutemann in 1982.
This achievement had many teams setting their sights on the young driver; however, none more eager than Alpine’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore. However, the Italian remained adamant that, despite speculation, Alpine would start 2025 with Pierre Gasly and Doohan.
“The only certain thing is death. We start the year with Pierre and Jack, I guarantee it. After that, we’ll see during the season.”
Alpine Promotion
Following his nine-race stint with Williams, Colapinto joined Alpine on a multi-year contract as a reserve and development driver for the 2025 season. Ultimately hinting that Doohan’s seat was truly at risk.
Jack Doohan has had a rough beginning to his Formula 1 career, not finishing in Australia and Miami. The Australian has also had a fair few major crashes, resulting in mounting costs for Alpine. The team’s decision to replace Doohan has come at an early point in the season. However, it emphasises their intentions for the remainder of the season.
”I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula One driver and I will forever be grateful to the team for helping me achieve this dream,” stated the Australian driver.
“Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing. That said, I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment. We have long-term goals as a team to achieve, and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those. For now, I will keep my head down, keep working hard, watch with interest the next five races and keep chasing my own personal goals.”
Can Colapinto help Alpine improve?
Currently sitting in P9 of the constructors standings, Alpine are just 1 point ahead of Sauber in last position.
With at least the next five races of the 2025 season ahead of Colapinto, he will be eager to prove his talent as a driver, hoping to secure a full-time seat in 2026 and beyond.
“Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races.”
The Argentinian driver said, “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.”
“I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team’s race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre.”
