Alpine have confirmed that Formula One hotshot Franco Colapinto has joined the team as their reserve driver, placing Jack Doohan’s future in doubt before the 2025 season even begins.
Colapinto enjoyed a barnstorming start to his F1 career, having stepped in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, prompting rumours that he could even earn a full-time seat at Red Bull.
He continued to be linked with several other teams as Liam Lawson stepped up to replace Sergio Perez instead, but the majority of outfits had their drivers in place for the 2025 season.
The 21-year-old Argentine has signed a multi-year deal with Alpine to be their test and reserve driver, ensuring he is on hand if the team and executive advisor Flavio Briatore decide to axe Doohan.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” Colapinto said. “First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my dream of racing in Formula One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that.
“Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour. A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo], Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us.
“Also, a massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 season. Your support made it all possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me. Let’s aim for even greater things in 2025 and beyond.”
Briatore added: “We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now.
“It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula One grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver. We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”
Various rumours have speculated that Doohan’s contract for 2025 only covers the first six races, allowing Alpine to swap him out for Colapinto if he does not get off to a strong start in F1.
The team had previously said that Doohan would ‘be their driver for 2025’ but Colapinto is waiting in the wings if the 21-year-old falters before the Miami Grand Prix, especially now in an official capacity.
