Alpine F1 Team Announces Driver Change After Team Principal Departure

New Driver on Board

The Alpine Formula 1 team has decided to make a driver change after only six races this season. Franco Colapinto from Argentina will take over the seat from Australian driver Jack Doohan starting at the Imola Grand Prix. Colapinto will have the opportunity to prove himself over the next five races.

Reasons for the Change

Flavio Briatore, who recently took over the role of team principal from the resigned Oliver Oakes, stated, „We recognized that we need to rotate our driver lineup.“ Doohan has been under pressure, as he is one of four drivers yet to score points this season and has been involved in several accidents.

Colapinto’s Background

The 21-year-old Colapinto previously raced for Williams in the latter half of last season, where he managed to score five points. However, he did not secure a seat for the current season until now. He will debut with Alpine alongside the second regular driver, Pierre Gasly, at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

Future Evaluations

Colapinto is also scheduled to compete in the races in Monaco, Spain, Canada, and Austria. Alpine has indicated that another evaluation of the driver situation will take place before the British Grand Prix in Silverstone in early June. Doohan will remain the first option as a reserve driver and a key part of the team during this period.

Continuing Turbulence at Alpine

This driver swap adds to the ongoing turbulence at Alpine following a disappointing start to the season, which was compounded by the recent resignation of Oakes. Briatore, who previously managed Michael Schumacher, has stepped in to lead the team through these challenges.