Alpine has announced Franco Colapinto will step up to a race seat with the team in Formula 1, replacing Jack Doohan from the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
There had been intense rumours surrounding Doohan’s position at Alpine ever since the team agreed a deal with Williams to sign Colapinto before the season started.
Doohan’s elimination in an opening-lap accident at last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix came amid renewed reports that Colapinto would take his place in time for Imola.
The Australian’s incident with Liam Lawson proved to be the last straw as the Enstone-based squad has elected to demote him to his previous role as a reserve driver.
Colapinto has replaced Doohan to partner the incumbent Pierre Gasly on an initial five-race deal, with the situation to be assessed again prior to the British Grand Prix.
“Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races,” said Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore.
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up.
“We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do.
“We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season.
“The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”
Colapinto added: “Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races.
“I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone.
“I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team’s race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone.
“I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre.”
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