Franco Colapinto is set to make his return to Formula 1 this weekend. After spending half a season with the Williams team in 2024, he inherited Jack Doohan’s seat ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Alpine openly announced that Colapinto had signed a contract for five races, after which top advisor Flavio Briatore would reassess the line-up. However, the Italian contradicts the team, stating there is no limit to the number of races.
Following the Miami Grand Prix, Jack Doohan was replaced in favor of Franco Colapinto. The latter was brought to Enstone late last year after an impressive debut season with Williams. As a test and reserve driver, he was breathing down Doohan’s neck, who had to anticipate an early switch from the opening race in Melbourne. The inevitable happened, although Alpine – and top advisor Flavio Briatore – repeatedly made it clear that Colapinto had signed a contract for only five races.
“After reviewing the first races of the season, we decided to put Colapinto in the car alongside Pierre Gasly for the next five races,” read an official statement. It was later added: “The next five races give us the opportunity to try something different, and after this period, we will evaluate our options.” Clear language, although Briatore now backtracks – he grants Franco Colapinto much more time in the A525.
‘Then he will race forever’
“I must say that I also expected more from Jack Doohan – perhaps he needs a break,” Briatore told the Italian branch of Sky Sports. “Franco (Colapinto) will race as much as necessary. I read somewhere that he will drive five Grand Prix, but no, there is no limit to his races. He needs to be fast, not crash, and score points. I only ask him these three things – not ten. If he does well, he will race forever.””The switch between Doohan and Colapinto followed the sudden departure of team boss Oliver Oakes. Alpine has since appointed a new team representative, although Briatore is effectively the leader in Enstone. “His (Oakes, ed.) resignation came after Miami due to a personal matter, and when it happened, I didn’t expect it either,” Briatore explained. “There were rumors that we had had a fight, but that’s not true – we have a good relationship. Furthermore, nothing changes – the organizational structure has shifted a bit, but everything else remains the same. For now, I’m taking the lead, but I’m used to that. This is not my first day at school,” he concluded with a wink.”
