Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
Alpine F1 Team

Alpine confirm F1 driver swap with immediate effect

Alpine has put an end to speculation over its F1 driver line-up by making a swap with immediate effect.

Doohan Briatore Miami
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

The Alpine F1 team has confirmed it has dropped Jack Doohan from a full-time race seat in favour of Franco Colapinto with immediate effect for the next five races.

Colapinto signed a multi-year deal with Alpine earlier this year, becoming one of its reserve drivers as well as getting chances to test older F1 cars from the Enstone-based squad.

His impressive nine-race stint with Williams last year immediately generated speculation that he was being lined up for a mid-season promotion to Alpine in favour of rookie Doohan.

It placed an increasing threat on the shoulders of Doohan, who has failed to score points throughout the opening six rounds of the season.

The Australian driver will not return to the cockpit in just under two weeks' time, as Alpine has opted to place Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly.

However, following a five-race stint for Colapinto, an evaluation will take place ahead of the British Grand Prix as to whether the Argentinian or Doohan will partner Gasly.

For now, Doohan has taken Colapinto's position as the team's reserve driver.

The announcement falls just hours after it was revealed that Oliver Oakes had resigned as Alpine's team principal, with executive advisor Flavio Briatore taking over his duties.

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the biggest talking points from the Miami Grand Prix. Ferrari's radio tension, Oscar Piastri taking charge and Max Verstappen needing to change his McLaren approach are major discussions.

Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!

Join the conversation!

x
REPORT FIA makes clear McLaren decision after major inspection