Formula 1: Colapinto switches to Alpine – pressure on Doohan increases!

Formula 1: Colapinto switches to Alpine – pressure on Doohan increases!

Formula 1 shooting star Franco Colapinto has signed a multi-year contract with Team Alpine! The 21-year-old Argentine moves from Williams to Alpine after no longer having a permanent place in the Williams team as Carlos Sainz was signed to drive alongside Alex Albon. Now Colapinto will be hired as test and reserve driver for the 2025 season, while Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will be the team's regular drivers. However, Doohan is under pressure because his contract for the first six races of the season is not guaranteed, raising the possibility that Colapinto could slide into the cockpit sooner than expected, the reported crown.

Rise of talent

Colapinto, who made a surprise debut in the middle part of the 2024 season, scored points in two of his first four races, becoming the first Argentine driver in Formula 1 in 23 years. These strong performances quickly attracted interest from other teams, including Alpine, who now have a solution for the future in the talent perspective. Flavio Briatore, Alpine's senior advisor, praised Colapinto and said: "Franco is undoubtedly one of the best young talents in motorsport." With his move, Colapinto is expected to support the two main drivers in races and take part in testing and simulator preparations such as New York Times reported.

This commitment to Colapinto not only offers Alpine more flexibility, but could also put pressure on Doohan to perform well, as the team management could evaluate after the first few months who will support the team in Formula 1 in the long term. Colapinto was happy about the move and emphasized that it was time to start a new chapter in his career. He thanked Williams for the support he received during his time with the team and looks forward to the challenges that await him at Alpine.