Colapinto replaces Doohan at Alpine

In place of Jack Doohan, Argentine Franco Colapinto will drive for Alpine in the next five grand prix.

Colapinto, whom Alpine acquired from Williams over the winter, would drive alongside Pierre Gasly from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on May 16 and 18, according to a statement from the team.

A “new evaluation before the British Grand Prix” will follow on July 4 and 5.

After reviewing the opening races of the season, Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore made the decision to put Franco in the car along with Pierre for the following five races.

We are in a position where we feel the need to change our line-up because the field is so closely matched this year and the team has a competitive car that has significantly improved over the past 12 months.

We also understand that the 2026 season will be crucial for the team, and it is necessary to conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation of the drivers this year to maximize our goals for the year ahead.

Doohan would be the team’s first-choice reserve driver during this time, according to the statement.

Paul Aron, an Estonian, is also a member of the team’s books.

Briatore continued, “We continue to support Jack at the team because he has performed very professionally this season as a race driver.

We will evaluate our options after the following five races, and we will have the opportunity to try something new.

Colapinto predicted that he would “work hard” and that the three Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona races would “undoubtedly be intense and a big challenge for everyone.”

He continued, “I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all” to help Pierre and Pierre achieve the best possible outcomes.

As a professional driver, Doohan, the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, said: “Obviously, this latest chapter is a difficult one for me to take.”

“With that said, I appreciate the team’s commitment and trust. As a team, we have long-term objectives that require achievement, and I’ll continue to give it my all.

For the time being, I’ll keep working hard, keep watching the upcoming five races, and keep pursuing my own personal objectives.