Goodbye Doohan, Hello Colapinto! Briatore Makes His Big Decision at Alpine
Flavio Briatore has made a bold decision at Alpine, shaking up the team’s future by bringing in Franco Colapinto to replace Jack Doohan. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, raising questions about Alpine’s long-term strategy. Will Colapinto be the driver Alpine needs to turn things around?
Briatore’s Big Decision: Doohan Out, Colapinto In
Jack Doohan, who had been in Alpine’s driver development program, was once seen as a strong candidate for a future seat in Formula 1. However, despite showing potential, he never quite secured a full-time F1 opportunity with the team. Meanwhile, Flavio Briatore, who has returned to Alpine in an advisory role, has decided to take a different route by backing the young Argentine talent, Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto, who has impressed in Formula 2, has been gaining recognition for his aggressive driving style and ability to perform under pressure. His rise through the ranks has been closely followed by F1 teams, and Alpine has now taken a chance on him, signaling a shift in their approach to developing young talent.
Why Alpine Chose Franco Colapinto
Several factors may have influenced Alpine’s decision to bring in Colapinto instead of continuing with Doohan:
1. Impressive Performances in Junior Categories
Colapinto has consistently showcased his talent in Formula 3 and Formula 2, often battling at the front and delivering strong results despite not always having the best machinery. His ability to adapt quickly to new challenges has made him a standout performer.
2. Marketability and Sponsorship Potential
With Formula 1 looking to expand its reach in South America, having an Argentine driver could be a valuable asset for Alpine. Colapinto brings commercial appeal, potentially attracting sponsorships and a new fanbase for the team.
3. Briatore’s Influence and Vision
Flavio Briatore is known for making bold moves and spotting talent early. His track record includes discovering and mentoring legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. If Briatore sees something special in Colapinto, it could mean the young Argentine has the potential to be a future star in F1.
What This Means for Jack Doohan
For Doohan, this decision is undoubtedly a setback. Having spent years working through Alpine’s academy, missing out on a seat is a tough blow. However, he still has options:
- Seeking Opportunities with Other Teams – Doohan could explore options with rival teams, particularly in midfield outfits that may need a young driver in the coming years.
- A Potential Reserve Role – Remaining with Alpine in a reserve or testing capacity could keep him in the F1 conversation while he evaluates his next steps.
- Switching to Another Racing Series – If an F1 seat doesn’t materialize soon, Doohan could look at Formula E, IndyCar, or endurance racing to continue his career.
Alpine’s Future: A Risk or a Smart Move?
Alpine has struggled in recent seasons, failing to break into the top-tier battle dominated by Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari. With internal instability, leadership changes, and driver lineup uncertainties, the team has been in a rebuilding phase.
Bringing in a fresh talent like Colapinto could be a high-risk, high-reward move. If he adapts quickly and delivers strong performances, Alpine may have secured a future star. However, if he struggles under pressure, questions will be raised about whether the team made the right call in sidelining Doohan.
What’s Next for Alpine and Colapinto?
The pressure is now on Alpine to develop Colapinto into a competitive F1 driver. Key things to watch in the coming months include:
- His integration into Alpine’s testing and development program – How quickly will he adapt to the team’s setup?
- Performance in potential F1 testing sessions – Will he prove he’s ready for the big stage?
- Future race seat opportunities – Could we see Colapinto make his F1 debut sooner than expected?
Alpine’s decision has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. Only time will tell whether Briatore’s gamble on Colapinto will pay off.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Alpine?
By replacing Doohan with Colapinto, Alpine is signaling a new direction under Briatore’s leadership. Whether this move will bring success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alpine is not afraid to shake things up in pursuit of a brighter future.
Do you think Alpine made the right decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
