Final: Alpine Demotes Doohan, Colapinto Steps In

Even before the Formula 1 season had started, it was reported that Doohan was far from certain to spend the entire season as Pierre Gasly's teammate. Notably, Flavio Briatore, the advisor to the French team, preferred to see reserve driver Colapinto join Alpine.

Doohan was set to make his official F1 debut in 2024 during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking over for Esteban Ocon. The Australian qualified twentieth and finished the race in fifteenth place. This season, Doohan had a shaky start, with an unnecessary crash in Suzuka marking a low point.

Doohan also attracted attention last weekend in Miami, after a collision in the first round with Liam Lawson. This ended the race for the Australian. On Monday, GPblog was already able to report that Doohan's position within the team was being evaluated. It is now clear that it's the end of the road for Doohan as a permanent driver.

Franco Colapinto, who last year drove for Williams for half a season, has long been ready to step in at Alpine. The Argentinian will now get his chance. From the next race weekend in Imola, Colapinto will be Pierre Gasly's teammate.