Alpine Team Principal Addresses Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan Rumors

The rumor mill has been abuzz with speculations about a potential driver change for the Alpine F1 team, with some suggesting that Franco Colapinto could replace Jack Doohan at the upcoming Imola Grand Prix. However, Team Principal Oliver Oakes has denied these claims, stating that Doohan will continue to drive for the team.

The Argentine Driver’s Reserve Role and Speculation Surrounding His Future

Colapinto signed as Alpine’s reserve driver in January, following his stint as a regular driver for Williams last year. Since then, there has been much conjecture about the possibility of seeing the Argentine back on the F1 grid. Doohan, who is Pierre Gasly’s new teammate for the 2025 season at Alpine, has not yet delivered results commensurate with his French counterpart, which has only fueled speculation about his tenure at the Enstone team.

The speculation reached a crescendo when Horacio Marín, CEO of Argentina’s state-owned oil company YPF, made comments during a television interview on La Nación+ that he believed Colapinto would debut with his new team at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. However, Marín later clarified that his comment was merely a personal hope and not an official announcement.

Team Principal’s Response to Speculation and Clarification of Driver Lineup

During the team principals’ press conference on Friday at the Miami Grand Prix, Oakes addressed the situation. Although he acknowledged that such speculation is natural, he took Marin’s comments with a grain of salt. When asked directly if Doohan will be driving for the Alpine team at Imola, Oakes indicated that “today, it is the case” that the Australian will remain in his drive.

Oakes explained that he saw Marin’s comment as a sponsor from Argentina expressing his personal hope for Colapinto when he might be in the car. He further emphasized that Jack Doohan remains their driver, alongside Pierre Gasly, and that they have been clear about this. Although they always evaluate their drivers, Oakes confirmed that today, Doohan will continue to drive for Alpine.