PostedMay 9, 2025underNews
Jack Doohan, the young Australian pilot, finally broke the silence after being replaced by the Argentine Franco Colapinto in the Alpine School of Formula 1, a movement that has shaken the paddock and generated headlines worldwide. The news, confirmed on May 7, 2025, marks a turning point in the season, with Colapinto assuming the starting seat from the Emilia-Romaña Grand Prix in Isola, scheduled for May 18. Doohan, visibly affected, admitted that the decision is “difficult to assume”, but promised to keep his focus and continue to contribute to the team as a reserve pilot.
Doohan’s performance in the first six races of the 2025 season did not meet Alpine’s expectations. Without points to his credit, the Australian accumulated expensive incidents, such as an accident in the first round in Australia, sanctions in China and a clash in Miami that sealed his destiny. His most notable mistake occurred in Japan, where he left the DRS wing open in curve 1 during training, seriously damaging his car. This incident, according to the Autosport media, was a “turning point” that eroded the team’s confidence in his ability to lead. To this was added the media pressure and the fans, especially from Latin America, who cried out for the ownership of Colapinto.
Franco Colapint, 21, returns to Formula 1 after a promising debut with Williams in 2024, where he added five points in nine races. His arrival in Alpine in January 2025, promoted by executive advisor Flavio Briatore, increased pressure on Doohan from the beginning. Briatore, known for supporting talents such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, saw in Colapint a safe bet, backed by Argentine sponsors as a free market. The departure of the team director, Oliver Oakes, and the assumption of Briatore as interim chief facilitated change, which many French media, such as L’Equipe and Autohebdo, described as “expected and inevitable”.
Doohan, in an official statement, expressed his gratitude to Alpine for having allowed him to fulfill his dream of competing in Formula 1. “I am proud to have reached my ambition to be a professional pilot, but as a competitor, naturally I want to be on the track,” he said. Despite his descent to Piloto Reserva, the Australian was committed to the long -term objectives of the team, ensuring that he will continue to “work hard” and observe “with interest” the next five races. His future in Alpine remains uncertain, with a reevaluation of the alignment planned after the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
For his part, Colapinto celebrated the opportunity with enthusiasm in his social networks, writing: “The wait was long! We are back.” On Instagram, he thanked Alpine for trust and promised to “give everything” in Icola. His return has generated a support wave in Argentina, with figures like Bizarrap by sending messages of breath. Alpine’s decision, according to the team, responds to a “tactical evaluation” to maximize results in a crucial year before the change of regulation in 2026.
The contrast between both pilots is evident. While Doohan fought to adapt, Colapinto demonstrated consistency in Williams, surpassing the Australian in his direct clashes in 2024. The Briratore pressure and the economic support of the Argentine sponsors tilted the balance in favor of the Pillarense. In a sport as cruel as Formula 1, where the results are relentless, Collapint now has the opportunity to shine, while Doohan must wait in the shadows, hoping to redeem yourself in the future.
