Alpine reportedly set to replace Doohan for Emilia Romagna GP

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Jack Doohan’s time on the Formula 1 grid may be over before it ever truly began, with Alpine reportedly informing the Australian rookie that he will be replaced by Franco Colapinto for next week’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

According to a multiple reports, the decision was communicated to Doohan on Sunday evening following the Miami Grand Prix, where he was forced to retire after a first-corner clash with Liam Lawson.

Despite outqualifying teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time this season, the result capped off a difficult six-race stretch for the 21-year-old, who has yet to score a point in his fledgling F1 career.

Lingering Doubts from the Outset

Alpine had only just promoted Doohan to a race seat for 2025, slotting the latter into Haas-bound Esteban Ocon’s seat car for F1’s 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi and beyond. However, doubts over his long-term future emerged almost immediately.

Even before Doohan turned a wheel in anger, Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore was reportedly exploring alternative options, including Argentine prospect Franco Colapinto.

Talks began late last year about bringing the Williams reserve driver into the team, and Colapinto’s official signing as part of Alpine’s academy in January this year only served to escalate the pressure on Doohan.

Though the Australian has shown flashes of speed – impressing some within the team with his raw pace early in the season – a string of mistakes and inconsistent performances have left him exposed.

To be fair, Alpine’s car has also underperformed relative to expectations, compounding Doohan’s struggles. Still, when compared to teammate Gasly, Doohan has often fallen short, unable to put together clean weekends or capitalize on opportunities.

A report from The Race indicates that despite his impending removal from the race seat, Doohan will remain part of the team as a reserve driver alongside Paul Aron.

His demotion marks yet another reminder of the brutal, high-stakes nature of modern Formula 1.

No Room for Error in F1’s Cut-Throat Arena

Formula 1 is a sport that rewards results and punishes underperformance — often without sentiment. Rookies are expected to adapt quickly, and while allowances are made for growing pains, they are increasingly limited.

Alpine technical director David Sanchez with reserve driver Franco Colapinto.

In today’s hyper-competitive field, teams chasing short-term gains and long-term security are willing to make tough calls, and Doohan appears to be the latest casualty of that ruthless reality.

With Colapinto set to make his debut at Imola, Alpine will be hoping the shake-up injects new energy into a disappointing start to the season. For Doohan, the setback may serve as a temporary detour in a longer journey — but in Formula 1, second chances are never guaranteed.

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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.