Effective immediately, Jack Doohan will be replaced by test and reserve driver Franco Colapinto, as announced by Alpine on Wednesday. The Australian was given six races to prove himself, but the team, led by Flavio Briatore, remains unconvinced. Notably, Alpine has explicitly confirmed that Colapinto has signed a contract for five races. Therefore, there may be future opportunities for Doohan, who will be closely monitoring the upcoming Grands Prix.
“I am very proud to have fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula 1 driver,” Jack Doohan said in an official press release. “I am eternally grateful to the team for helping me realize this dream. Of course, this new chapter is particularly difficult for me, as I naturally want to race as a professional driver.” Doohan now has seven Grands Prix to his name, although he never advanced beyond the thirteenth position on the grid. He retired prematurely twice.
‘Keep an eye on the upcoming races’
“That being said, I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment,” the Australian continued. “As a team, we have long-term goals, and I will continue to commit myself in every possible way to achieve them. For now, I will keep my head down and continue to work hard,” he assured. “I will be closely watching the next five races while I continue to pursue my personal goals.”
Flavio Briatore, who is once again pulling the strings at Alpine, is said to be primarily responsible for Jack Doohan’s departure. Former team boss Oliver Oakes, who suddenly resigned on Tuesday, was a big supporter of the Australian, while Briatore is a fan of Franco Colapinto. “We continue to support Jack (Doohan) within the team, as he has conducted himself very professionally in his role as a driver this season,” Briatore responded. “The next five races give us the opportunity to try something different, and after this period, we will reconsider our options,” the Italian promised.
