Franco Colapinto Returns to Formula One
Franco Colapinto will return to the Formula 1 grid next weekend at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, in place of Jack Doohan, driving in the Alpine seat. This will be yet another time Colapinto will drive in place of another during an active Formula 1 season. His first time was for the Williams team in place of Logan Sargeant, who is no longer in F1. Doohan is one of the few rookies who have been placed on the Formula 1 grid, but the Argentine star made his impression in 2024 by scoring five points in nine races without much preparation. His aggressive driving style is what the Alpine team seems to align with, as Doohan simply has not met their expectations thus far in the season. Even though it is his debut season in Formula 1, the expectations for this competitive sport are extremely high.
It is uncertain whether Colapinto driving for Alpine is a long-term plan, but as of now he has five races to see if he will stay with the team in place of Doohan. He will also undergo a second evaluation before the race at Silverstone during the July 4th-6th weekend. After a few months of speculation, observation, and scrutiny over the Australian rookie's performance in his 2025 debut with Alpine. The team announced the sudden change only a few hours after Oliver Oakes resigned from his position as team principal.
Only time will tell how Colapinto will adjust to the Alpine car, as his skill seemed to begin to fade driving with Williams, earning the team few points and crashing three times. This racked up a huge bill for damage for the team and gave a bit of a bad taste. Doohan is currently expected to return to the reserve role for the team and will be focusing on his simulation work and testing, just like he has in the past. With the new switch, from Doohan to Colapinto, Alpine is ready for a more experienced driver to take the wheel. Hopefully, Doohan can relearn and remain a part of the Formula 1 grid, plus earn his spot back, but until then, there are only good thoughts for the newest Alpine driver.
