Alpine have confirmed that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five race weekends starting in Imola as they look to rotate the seat between the two talented young drivers.
This News came after it was announced that team principal Oliver Oakes was resigning and his duties being fulfilled by Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. Many believed Briatore already controlled the team just without the title of team principle, Flavio is a controversial figure within the sport after being involved in the infamous “crashgate” he was initially banned from all FIA sanctioned events due to the incident before the ban was overturned in the French courts a year later back in 2010, but after the ban was lifted Flavio Briatore and Renault was effectively placed under a 2 year probation were any offences would result in a indefinite ban
Franco Colapinto’s return to F1 could be huge the youngster with 9 race starts to his name has a army of fans from Argentina which will bring lots of revenue through sales and eyes on social media. Colapinto’s entry into F1 last season caused a massive stir and that was on full show for the 2024 Brazilian grand prix when planes and coaches full of Argentinians fans who made the trip across the border to support their countrymen in full voice. F1 fans can expect more of the same with is return this season especially if he finds himself in the seat when formula one heads to south America later in the season
The writing was probably on the wall for Jack Doohan with rumor’s circulating of his seat being at risk before the season even started.