Franco Colapinto Joins Alpine for Five Races
On May 7, Alpine announced that Australian rookie Jack Doohan would be replaced by Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly for the next five races. This decision came just six races into the season and was not entirely unexpected, as rumors of Colapinto’s imminent promotion had circulated since late 2024.
Surprising Time Limit
What caught many off guard was the explicit mention of Colapinto being limited to five races. The team’s official statement emphasized their ongoing evaluation of the driver lineup, stating that Colapinto would be assessed after the British Grand Prix in July.
Briatore’s Perspective
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive adviser, underscored the decision as part of this evaluation. He mentioned that the upcoming races would offer an opportunity to explore alternatives, although he later softened his stance, suggesting that there was no strict limit to Colapinto’s race opportunities, emphasizing performance as the main criterion.
Performance Challenges
Colapinto’s entry into the team hasn’t yielded significant improvements. Despite showing some potential at the Canadian Grand Prix, his overall performance has not surpassed that of his predecessor, Doohan, who had shown promise earlier in the season. Colapinto’s initial five-race trial period has thus far resulted in minimal progress.
Team’s Broader Issues
Alpine’s struggles extend beyond driver performance. The team has been grappling with serious issues regarding its car development. Despite early optimism, their current vehicle ranks seventh in one-lap pace, with a concerning decline in performance metrics over the season.
Comparative Performance Metrics
Statistically, there hasn’t been a significant difference in results between Colapinto and Doohan. Both drivers have failed to finish in the top 10, with Colapinto’s best placing being 13th. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the decision to replace Doohan with Colapinto mid-season.
Conclusion: Uncertain Future
It remains unclear how much time Colapinto will receive to prove his capability. With Alpine facing broader challenges, including a leadership shake-up, the focus may need to shift away from just driver performance to the underlying car issues. Colapinto has the opportunity to make his mark, but the upcoming races will be crucial for his chances moving forward.
