F1 SHOCK! Colapinto Replaces Doohan — Read the Full Story Now!

Alpine's Big F1 Surprise: Colapinto In, Doohan Out!

Whoa, Formula 1 just got a whole lot more interesting! Alpine F1, out of nowhere, dumped Jack Doohan and brought in Franco Colapinto. This wasn’t some small swap; this was a major shake-up that’s got everyone talking. Seriously, who saw *that* coming? Twenty-one-year-old Argentinian Colapinto is now driving alongside Pierre Gasly, starting at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola on May 18th. But why the sudden change? Let’s break it down.

Doohan's Rough Patch, Colapinto's Big Break

Jack Doohan, the 22-year-old Aussie, hasn't had the best start to his 2025 season. It’s been a bit of a struggle, to say the least. Zero points, a couple of DNFs (Did Not Finish), and consistently getting out-qualified by Gasly – it kinda felt like watching a slow-motion trainwreck. His performance just wasn't cutting it, and with Alpine needing a proper driver assessment, Colapinto was the obvious choice. Colapinto, meanwhile, joined Alpine as a test and reserve driver back in January after a stint at Williams where, despite a few crashes, he actually managed to snag five points in nine races. That’s not bad, right? His move to Alpine was part of a deal with Williams, but his performance clearly showed he had something special. Alpine's executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, even called him “one of the best young talents in motorsport right now.” High praise indeed!

Alpine's Gamble: Eyes on 2026

This wasn’t just a knee-jerk reaction, though. Alpine's looking ahead to 2026, a year with massive changes coming in terms of car regulations and their switch back to being a customer engine team. This mid-season driver swap is, in their words, a "complete and fair assessment" of their driver lineup before the big overhaul. They want to be ready to win in 2026, and this driver shuffle is a big part of that plan. Makes sense, right? They need to know who’s best for the job before things get really crazy. Rumors of this swap had been floating around for months, even publicly denied by former Team Principal Oliver Oakes just days before *his* unexpected resignation. Talk about awkward timing! With Oakes gone, Flavio Briatore stepped in, adding another layer of intrigue to this whole situation.

Colapinto's Chance to Shine (or Not)

This is a huge opportunity for Colapinto, no doubt about it. He’s got at least five races to prove he deserves a permanent seat. The pressure’s on, but his talent is undeniable. He’s got the drive, but can he handle the heat? We'll see!

A New Chapter for Alpine: What's Next?

Alpine's decision to replace Doohan with Colapinto is a bold move, for sure. It raises questions about their management, but it also shows a willingness to make tough choices for the long term. Colapinto's performance in the next few races will be massive, not only for his career, but for Alpine's future. This is going to be exciting to watch! Get ready for some serious F1 drama.