Colapinto replaces struggling Doohan for Alpine
Alpine have dropped Jack Doohan just six races into his rookie Formula One season, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto replacing him on an initial five-race deal.
Doohan has failed to score a point in his six outings for the team since replacing Esteban Ocon and becoming the first Alpine Academy driver to be promoted into F1.
The Australian failed to finish at the 2025 curtain-raiser in Melbourne and at the Miami Grand Prix last time out, with finishes of 13th, 15th, 14th and 17th between those races.
He had been expected to make way since Sunday's race in Miami, though the decision to give his replacement Colapinto five races and reassess the situation before July's British Grand Prix is something of a surprise.
In a statement, the team's executive adviser, Flavio Briatore, said: "Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre [Gasly] for the next five races.
A true professional all the way - thank you for your hard work and dedication whilst in the car, Jack
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 7, 2025
He will remain an integral part of our team as Reserve Driver. pic.twitter.com/J4Bm0LAUaO
"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 lineup.
"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. "
The decision comes one day after team principal Oliver Oakes resigned just 10 months into his post, with Briatore taking on his responsibilities.
Colapinto, who impressed for Williams at the tail end of last season, will get his first Alpine start at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 18.