Franco Colapinto Replaces Jack Doohan
Miami, FL — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Alpine F1 Team has confirmed that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will replace Australian Jack Doohan effective immediately, ending weeks of speculation and internal tension. The decision, though only just announced, was reportedly made before the start of the season, leaving many questioning the team’s transparency and handling of the situation.
The announcement came just a day after Alpine Team Principal Oliver “Ollie” Oakes resigned, sparking further intrigue. Oakes had previously told media in Miami that Doohan’s seat was secure, saying: “As it is today, Jack is our driver along with Pierre. We’ve been pretty clear on that.” However, within three days, the statement was nullified.
Leadership Turmoil and Timing
Oakes’ sudden cancellation of media sessions in Miami — originally explained as “a change in travel plans” — appears, in hindsight, to have been linked to a private meeting with Jack before his return to Monaco. The team wanted to deliver the difficult news face-to-face rather than over the phone.
Following Oakes’ resignation, Flavio Briatore stepped in to steer the Alpine ship. Briatore, notably, is tied to both drivers — he was instrumental in managing Doohan’s F1 journey but also played a pivotal role in signing Colapinto to a multi-year deal. This conflict of interest has left many questioning whether Jack Doohan was set up to fail.
A Seat Doomed from the Start?
Jack was announced as Esteban Ocon’s 2025 replacement in August last year and made his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi, finishing 15th. But Alpine’s quiet signing of Colapinto during the offseason cast a shadow over Doohan’s position before the season had even begun.
Though the team’s leadership had notified key stakeholders of their intent to replace Jack before the Miami Grand Prix, Doohan himself was kept in the dark until after the race — a strategy that, while perhaps designed to avoid distraction, also underscores how long the writing had been on the wall.
Online Harassment and Emotional Toll
Doohan’s final weeks with the team were marred by online harassment and personal threats, particularly from extreme elements of Colapinto’s fanbase. The situation became so serious that 24/7 personal security was arranged for Jack and his family in Miami, and was expected to continue through Brazil. It’s a grim reminder of the pressure that drivers now face, not just on the track but online.
On top of that, Doohan endured sleepless nights, leaked personal information, and aggressive questioning from the media regarding his future — all of which took a toll. He disabled comments on his Instagram after Miami and has reportedly gone radio silent in recent days.
Performance and Comparisons
Statistically, Doohan’s season was underwhelming. With an average finish of 14.75 compared to teammate Pierre Gasly’s 11, and no points across seven races, Alpine had performance-based grounds for reevaluation. Notably, he did crash heavily during FP2 in Suzuka and faced a qualifying release error from the garage in Miami that hindered his performance.
Now, Jack Doohan holds the unfortunate distinction of having the third shortest F1 career since 2000 (excluding fill-in drivers), behind Nicholas Kiesa (5 races) and Yuji Ide (4 races, removed by FIA).
What’s Next?
With Colapinto now confirmed, attention turns to how the talented Argentinian will fare under immense pressure and scrutiny. Though he inherits the seat under controversial circumstances, he also inherits expectations and a spotlight brighter than ever.
Meanwhile, Jack Doohan’s future remains uncertain, but his grace under pressure, even amid organizational chaos, may yet open other doors within motorsport.
