Franco Colapinto is set for another opportunity on the F1 grid.
After speculation for months, Alpine confirmed on Wednesday that the reserve driver will indeed get a chance. Since Cora Pinto was signed as a reserve ahead of the 2025 season, anticipation built around the idea that they might take the wheel for Alpine during the 2024 season with Williams.
This speculation put significant pressure on Doohan to deliver results quickly.
It appears he is no longer part of the picture.
His departure coincides with the unexpected resignation of team principal Oliver Oaks following the Miami Grand Prix, amid ongoing turmoil within the Enstone-based team. Oaks was supposed to address the media after the race, but his session was canceled due to “changes in travel plans.”
Instead, the team accepted Oaks’ resignation “with immediate effect” on Tuesday. Alpine stated, “Flavio Briartoll will continue as executive advisor and will oversee the commitments previously made by Oliver Oaks.”
No additional comments were provided by the team regarding the situation.
Briartoll mentioned that the team “will need to rotate the lineup” and will “make adjustments for the next five races.”
“After reviewing the season’s opening race, we’ve decided to put Franco in the car with Pierre over these races. The field is very competitive this year, and the team has seen considerable improvement over the past year. We recognize the importance of the 2026 season and believe it’s crucial to fairly evaluate our drivers this season,” he added.
“We continue to support Jack. He has been professional in his role so far. The next five races offer a chance to try something new.”
Colapinto expressed his gratitude to the team for the chance and is eager for the upcoming races.
“I want to thank the team for this opportunity to race competitively over the next five events,” Colapinto remarked. “I will prepare diligently for the race in Imola and the subsequent triple headers. This is a challenging prospect for everyone involved. I’m staying sharp and ready for the team’s support program and simulator sessions.”
Duhan remains committed and has pledged to give his “best effort” in supporting the team.
“I’m incredibly proud to achieve my lifelong dream of being a professional Formula One driver. I’m thankful to the team for helping me realize this goal. This new chapter is difficult for me since, as a driver, I naturally want to be in the races. Nonetheless, I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment, and I will continue to work towards our long-term objectives as a team.”
Now, however, he’s giving way to Colapinto.
The question of how long he will hold this position remains the next significant challenge for Takayama.
