Major changes are unfolding in the world of Formula 1, particularly within the Alpine team. According to the latest reports, Australian driver Jack Doohan will not be taking part in the upcoming Imola Grand Prix. Instead, the seat will be handed over to promising young Argentinian talent Franco Colapinto.
This decision was not just made behind closed doors—it was officially communicated to Doohan right after the Miami Grand Prix. Before he left the circuit, Alpine management personally informed him that he would not be racing at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. With this, Colapinto, who has long been serving as Alpine’s reserve driver, will finally get his long-awaited opportunity to compete in a Formula 1 race.
However, the surprises from Alpine may not end there. The team is also considering giving a chance to another reserve driver, Estonian Paul Aron, later in the season. This indicates Alpine’s intent to observe different driver options on track before the second half of the 2025 season, possibly testing the waters for future driver lineups.
While Doohan may have lost his race seat for now, his journey with Alpine isn't entirely over. He will remain with the team as their official reserve driver, participating in simulator work, test sessions, and stepping in when needed. In short, Doohan is still very much in the picture.
Although Alpine has not yet made a public statement, the fact that Doohan has been informed suggests an official announcement is imminent.