Alpine F1 has announced that Franco Colapinto will step into a race seat for the next five rounds of the 2025 Formula One World Championship, as part of a broader evaluation of the team’s driver line-up. Colapinto will partner Pierre Gasly, beginning with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, replacing Jack Doohan on a temporary basis.

The decision follows a challenging start to the season and coincides with major structural changes at Alpine, including the return of Flavio Briatore as Team Principal. Briatore, who had already rejoined the team in 2024 as Executive Advisor, emphasized the importance of using the current season to assess long-term performance and driver potential ahead of the 2026 regulations reset.

“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,” Briatore stated. “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. The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different.”

Colapinto, a former Test and Reserve Driver for the team, will race with car number 43. The 21-year-old Argentine will make his Formula 1 debut at Imola and continue through a busy stretch that includes Monaco, Spain, Canada, and Austria. His performances during this period will be evaluated before the team makes a decision ahead of the British Grand Prix in July.

“I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races,” Colapinto said. “The upcoming triple-header will be intense, but I’ve stayed sharp and prepared through simulator work and testing support. I’ll give it everything to deliver strong performances for the team.”

Jack Doohan, who has driven all six races so far this season without scoring a point, will remain Alpine’s first-choice Reserve Driver during this period. Despite the setback, the Australian expressed understanding and continued commitment to the team’s long-term vision.

“Obviously, this is a tough chapter for me, as naturally I want to be racing,” Doohan said. “But I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment. I’ll keep working hard and doing all I can to support the team’s goals.”

This bold move comes as Alpine attempts to reverse a disappointing campaign that has seen them collect just 7 points so far in 2025. With team leadership and driver dynamics both under review, the next five races could prove pivotal in shaping Alpine’s future direction.