Know more about what James Vowles had to say regarding this driver!
Franco Colapinto will be a part of the highlights this weekend. Colapinto is replacing Jack Doohan at Alpine this weekend. He will race for the French team for five races from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Colapinto became a reserve driver for the Enstone based outfit in 2025.
Franco Colapinto was a one hit wonder in the previous Formula 1 season. He drove for Williams in the latter part of the season. Colapinto was called in in 2024 to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams. Colapinto gave Williams some quick points in his small stint. However, his run in 2024 was also marked with some heavy crashes.
Jack Doohan is not able to reproduce the speed that Alpine wants him to. Doohan’s seat was under a lot of controversy since the start of the season. Jack Doohan was fast during the testing. Although, since the start of the season Doohan has been unable to bring any points for the team. He is constantly off the pace and unable to match his teammate. Jack Doohan also got into some crashes which affected Alpine’s budget early on in the season. The team was apprehensive about replacing him at first. Although, last week an immediate announcement was made on the team’s end to replace Doohan.
Franco Colapinto’s arrival on the grid is hot topic in the Formula 1 paddock. Williams could not provide him with a seat in 2025 due to their star studded lineup.
As such, Vowles was more than ready to loan him to Alpine as a reserve driver. Colapinto’s past experience and his crashes are being questioned in 2025. Formula 1 fans and experts believe it’s harsh for Jack Doohan to get replaced on such a short notice.
Meanwhile, there are also doubts about Colapinto’s performance in the Alpine. Their car is not fast compared to the middle-pack of the Formula 1 grid. But, James Vowles reiterated his confidence in his former reserve driver.
“What you saw with us is he got up to speed very quickly. I know he’s immensely quick, so I think irrespective of whatever deadline they’ve set, he’ll do a good job in that period of time.”
The tricky track of Imola will be a true test for Franco Colapinto. He brings many sponsors with himself and a huge fanbase. If Colapinto can prove his worth in the five races he is allotted. He might get a full-time seat in the current season or the upcoming season. Until then, we can only speculate and analyse his future in F1.
