Colapinto’s Simulator Mastery Shocks Alpine: Doohan Benched in F1 Bombshell
MIAMI, May 8, 2025 — The Formula 1 paddock is ablaze with drama following Alpine’s stunning decision to replace Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto for the next five races, starting at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The move, announced on Wednesday, comes after Colapinto reportedly delivered blistering lap times during simulator sessions at Alpine’s Enstone factory, outpacing expectations and prompting executive advisor Flavio Briatore to act swiftly. The shake-up, coupled with team principal Oliver Oakes’ abrupt resignation, has left fans and analysts reeling, with speculation swirling about whether Colapinto’s virtual dominance signals a new era for the struggling team.
Colapinto, the 21-year-old Argentine who dazzled in a nine-race stint with Williams in 2024, joined Alpine as a reserve driver in January. His simulator work, described as “exceptional” by sources close to the team, reportedly showcased lap times that rivaled or surpassed those of race driver Pierre Gasly, catching Briatore’s attention. Posts on X, including one from @razonf1, hailed the decision as a “ruthless shake-up,” while @cnnradioarg celebrated Colapinto’s promotion as a triumph for Argentina. The decision follows Doohan’s lackluster start to 2025, with no points scored and a first-lap crash in Miami sealing his fate. The Athletic noted Doohan’s average lap times trailed Gasly’s by 0.17 to 0.50 seconds in key races, underscoring his struggles.
Briatore, now overseeing team operations, justified the switch as part of an “ongoing assessment” for 2026, with Colapinto set to race at Imola, Monaco, Spain, Canada, and Austria. The Race reported that Colapinto’s commercial appeal, backed by Latin American sponsors like Mercado Libre, played a role, but his simulator performance was the decisive factor. However, his history of crashes at Williams raises questions about consistency. Formula1.com highlighted his points-scoring finishes in Azerbaijan and Austin, but also his “violent” incidents in Las Vegas and Brazil, adding intrigue to his five-race audition.
Doohan, demoted to reserve driver, vowed to “keep chasing” his goals, per PlanetF1, but faces an uphill battle to reclaim his seat. X users like @rodrilovesramen criticized Doohan’s errors, such as a 180mph crash in Suzuka after misjudging DRS, while others, like @JimPolk, questioned Alpine’s strategy of publicizing Colapinto’s short-term deal. As Colapinto prepares for Imola, the F1 world is buzzing with predictions: Can he translate simulator speed into real-world results, or will pressure expose his inexperience? With Alpine languishing ninth in the constructors’ standings, this bold gamble could redefine their future—or deepen their chaos.
Sources: Formula1.com, The Athletic, PlanetF1, The Race, X posts
