Franco Colapinto, Alpine's new driver: a debut amid turbulence, changes, and restructuring

The Formula 1 paddock was shaken last week by a series of unexpected moves at Alpine, which ultimately opened the door for Franco Colapinto as a regular driver. The Argentine was officially confirmed by the French team to compete in six Grands Prix, replacing Jack Doohan, amid an institutional crisis and profound internal restructuring.

Photo: Alpine

The context of the announcement could not have been more eventful. Alpine had just confirmed Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan as its main drivers for this season, with Colapinto in the role of reserve driver. However, since his joining the team in that role was announced at the beginning of the year, rumors began circulating about a possible promotion for the Argentine, especially after the financial agreement with Williams to secure his contract, a transaction that involved a significant sum of money.

Doubts grew race after race. Doohan, whose performance was inconsistent, was the target of criticism from fans and analysts, who openly called for Colapinto's inclusion. Media pressure increased, to the point of bothering the team itself and its then-director, Oliver Oakes, who repeatedly called for respect for the Australian and defended his performance on the track.

However, rumors about a possible replacement continued. Flavio Briatore, an influential figure within Alpine and a key advisor in recent months, began to grow increasingly close to Colapinto, which only fueled speculation.

The breaking point came days after the Miami Grand Prix. On the Wednesday after the race, Alpine announced the resignation of Oliver Oakes as team principal, amid reports linking him to a legal issue involving his brother in England. The surprise was even greater when it was learned that Briatore would temporarily take over as team principal while a permanent replacement is appointed.

Just 24 hours later, on Thursday, the confirmation arrived: Franco Colapinto would be Alpine's regular driver starting at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Jack Doohan, meanwhile, would once again occupy the reserve driver role.

But the announcement came with an unexpected detail. Colapinto's contract won't be for the remainder of the season, as many imagined, but for only six races. This is an evaluation period, similar to the one Doohan experienced, during which the team will analyze the Argentine driver's performance to decide whether to continue or seek another option for the second half of the championship.

In this context, Colapinto will make his official debut next weekend at Imola, and his confirmed participation will extend until the Austrian Grand Prix. Six key dates, fraught with expectation and pressure, where the Argentine must prove he is up to the challenge of Formula 1.

Meanwhile, Alpine continues its reorganization process. The French team, which is going through one of its most complex moments in recent years, still has several open fronts: from defining its technical team to the future of its lineup for 2025. In this context of uncertainty, the name of Franco Colapinto is beginning to resonate strongly.