Franco Colapinto has quickly captured the attention of Formula One fans around the world. This young Argentine driver’s recent promotion to Alpine’s main race seat is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the changing landscape within F1. In this article, we explore Colapinto’s rise, the significance of his Alpine opportunity, and what this move means for both his career and the sport.

Who Is Franco Colapinto?

Franco Colapinto is not your typical rookie. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Colapinto honed his racing skills through karting championships before advancing to European single-seaters. The buzz around his career began after a solid stint in Formula 2 and a brief, attention-grabbing period with Williams in 2024. His aggressive driving style and quick adaptation on track have made him a standout among emerging talents in motorsport.

The Alpine Driver Shake-Up

In May 2025, Alpine announced that Franco Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan for the next five races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. This move was part of the team’s wider strategy to evaluate its line-up amid a highly competitive F1 grid. According to ESPN’s coverage, Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore stated, “The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”

Colapinto’s performance will be reassessed ahead of the British Grand Prix, leaving the possibility of more changes within the Alpine team. This rotation reflects a new, performance-driven approach in Formula One, where teams are quick to explore all available options to gain a competitive edge.

Why Colapinto, Why Now?

Jack Doohan, who has served as Alpine’s reserve and race driver, has struggled in the first seven races of the season. The swap for Colapinto follows a series of underwhelming results and on-track incidents. As reported by The Athletic, Doohan was under intense pressure to perform and was outscored by teammate Pierre Gasly.

Franco Colapinto’s debut with Williams in 2024 turned heads, especially after stepping in as Logan Sargeant’s replacement. Not only did he show raw speed, but he also brought significant commercial interest to the team, highlighted by a sponsorship from a major Latin American brand. Bringing Colapinto into Alpine is seen as both a sporting and commercial opportunity, capitalizing on his rising popularity in Latin America.

What to Watch for Next

Franco Colapinto’s promotion injects fresh excitement into the 2025 Formula One season. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see his impact alongside Pierre Gasly and whether he can help Alpine climb the constructor standings. The next five races could define Colapinto’s trajectory in the sport and shape Alpine’s plans heading into 2026, a year that promises sweeping regulatory changes.

To follow every twist in this unfolding story, you can read the full ESPN analysis and a detailed report by The Athletic.

Conclusion

Franco Colapinto’s journey from promising junior driver to Alpine F1 starter is a story of talent, timing, and opportunity. As he gears up for this pivotal five-race stint, all eyes are on his performance. Colapinto’s progress could not only redefine his own career but also influence the future direction of Alpine and shine a spotlight on motorsport’s next generation.