Colapinto set for move to Alpine, but Doohan safe… for now

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Williams rookie Franco Colapinto is reportedly on the verge of joining Alpine for the 2025 Formula 1 season, according to a credible report from Argentina.

However, the deal is not expected to land the 21-year-old in a race seat immediately, as Jack Doohan remains confirmed as Pierre Gasly’s teammate for the start of the season.

Colapinto made an impressive entry into Formula 1 in 2024, stepping in for Logan Sargeant from the Italian Grand Prix onward.

The young Argentine rookie quickly made his mark, scoring five points across nine races – four more than Sargeant managed during his 1.5 seasons with the team.

Highlights of Colapinto’s brief campaign included an eight place finish in only his second race at Azerbaijan and P10 in Austin, despite having no prior competitive experience at those circuits.

Read also:

Albon backs Colapinto despite crashes: ‘He’s a fantastic driver’

His performances earned praise for both his speed and adaptability, with rival teams Red Bull and Alpine reportedly expressing interest.

However, Colapinto's season ended on a tougher note, with costly incidents in Brazil and Las Vegas, including a qualifying crash and a safety car mishap in São Paulo.

While these setbacks cooled Red Bull’s interest, Alpine remained engaged in negotiations.

Williams’ Plans and Colapinto’s Next Move

Williams has already secured its 2025 driver lineup, pairing Carlos Sainz with Alex Albon. This left Colapinto without a long-term race seat at the Grove-based outfit, opening the door for Alpine to make its move.

Wednesday’s report from sports website Olé suggests that Alpine is close to finalizing an agreement with Colapinto. Whether the deal involves a permanent transfer or a loan arrangement with Williams remains unclear.

However, Colapinto would likely join Alpine as a reserve driver and a longer-term prospect, bolstering its driver pool.

Alpine’s existing development program includes Victor Martins and Paul Aron, but Colapinto’s F1 experience gives him a distinct advantage over his rivals within the team.

Doohan’s Position Under Pressure

Doohan, who made his F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following Esteban Ocon’s abrupt exit, remains secure in his race seat at the Enstone squad, reportedly for the first six races of the 2025 F1 season.

Sources suggest that Doohan’s contract includes performance clauses, a common feature in rookie agreements.

While Doohan is expected to begin the 2025 season as Gasly’s teammate, the presence of Colapinto in the background would inevitably add pressure.

Colapinto’s strong following in Argentina and commercial appeal could further complicate the dynamics within the Alpine team.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.