Jack Doohan expressed his disappointment over losing his race seat at the Alpine F1 team to Franco Colapinto, a decision confirmed just six races into the 2025 season. Doohan has yet to score points this year, and following another challenging weekend at the Miami Grand Prix—where he displayed strong one-lap performances but ultimately ended up in a Turn 1 collision—the team opted to replace him with reserve driver Colapinto for the upcoming five races.
While Doohan will transition back to reserve duties, the team announced they would re-evaluate their driver lineup following the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
The 22-year-old Australian reflected on the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of the demotion while expressing gratitude for the opportunity he had to compete in Formula 1. “I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula 1 driver,” he said. “Naturally, I want to be racing, but I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment. I will continue to work hard and support our long-term goals.”
This driver change at Alpine coincides with the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, who has stepped down from the role after managing the team alongside executive advisor Flavio Briatore since last summer. Briatore, now fully in charge, explained that the decision to bring in Colapinto was made after careful consideration of the season’s early races. He emphasized the competitive nature of this year’s field and the necessity to assess their drivers effectively to enhance the team’s performance for the upcoming 2026 season.
Briatore reiterated their commitment to supporting Doohan, noting his professional demeanor throughout the season. The next five races are seen as a critical opportunity to explore a different lineup and determine the best path forward.
This episode serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where performance is swiftly evaluated and decisions are made to optimize outcomes. Doohan’s resilience and determination to contribute to the team’s success showcases his dedication to the sport, and fans will be eager to see how both he and Colapinto perform in the races ahead.