Briatore on Colapinto replacing Doohan: 'See the need to rotate line-up'

09:24, 07 May

Updated: 09:59, 07 May

byNorberto Mujica

Jack Doohan has been replaced by Franco Colapinto in the officla race team ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, out of necessity, says Executive Advisor and acting team principal, Flavio Briatore.

Whereas teammate Pierre Gasly was able to score 6 points in the first 6 races of the season, Doohan was still to add a single point to his tally. Thus the Australian has to make way for the Argentine reserve, Colapinto.

Colapinto's promotion to full-time driver, not set in stone

Briatore has since reacted to the swap in an Alpine press release: “Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races."

"With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up."

"We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do in order to maximise our ambitions next year."

"We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season. The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”