Alpine F1 Boss Pushes for Stunning Driver Swap Before 2025 Season
In an unexpected turn of events, Alpine F1 team boss Flavio Briatore is reportedly pushing for a last-minute driver swap ahead of the 2025 season, creating fresh intrigue and speculation in the Formula 1 paddock. According to sources, Briatore is eager to replace newly signed driver Jack Doohan with Williams star Franco Colapinto, who has made a significant impact in his brief time with Williams.
The 2025 F1 grid is beginning to solidify, following an intense period of driver transfers, new signings, and surprising departures. These changes kicked off in 2024 when seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton announced his sensational switch to Ferrari. The news sparked a domino effect in the driver market, leading to various teams reconsidering their lineups. Among these moves, Mercedes took on rising star Kimi Antonelli to fill the void left by Hamilton, while Haas brought in Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, with veteran Nico Hulkenberg choosing to join Sauber/Audi.
Alpine originally opted to promote their reserve driver Jack Doohan to a full-time seat alongside Pierre Gasly for 2025, a decision that fans and analysts alike saw as a promising opportunity for the 21-year-old to establish himself in the premier motorsport series. Doohan, the son of motorcycling legend Mick Doohan, had shown potential in junior categories and was expected to rise to the challenge. However, recent developments hint that his dream opportunity could be in jeopardy as Briatore reportedly has his eye on another young talent: Franco Colapinto.
Since joining Williams as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant, Colapinto has impressed both his team and fans with five points scored in a difficult season, showing remarkable adaptability and consistently challenging his seasoned teammate, Alex Albon. The Argentine’s performance has turned heads, and now it appears Briatore is keen to bring that energy to Alpine in hopes of bolstering the team’s competitiveness.
Briatore reportedly reached out to former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to discuss Colapinto’s potential switch to Alpine, signaling the serious interest Alpine has in securing Colapinto’s talent for 2025. Although Ecclestone refrained from confirming any details, his cryptic response hinted at the fluidity of the situation, saying, “In Formula 1, anything is possible. Until the money is in the bank.”
For Alpine, this move could represent a bold step toward refreshing their lineup. However, it also raises questions about the stability of Doohan’s position just months before the season begins. While Alpine has not issued any official statement on the potential Colapinto-Doohan swap, the possibility remains open as the team evaluates its best option for the upcoming championship.
Colapinto’s growth trajectory makes him a compelling choice for any team looking to develop a strong young driver capable of challenging Formula 1 veterans. Should he move to Alpine, the 2025 grid would feature a diverse lineup of fresh talent, further emphasizing the generational shift taking place in the sport.
If the switch does go through, it will be another major shake-up for a 2025 F1 grid already featuring an influx of young drivers, including Kimi Antonelli with Mercedes and Ollie Bearman with Haas. The presence of these fresh faces alongside seasoned competitors promises an exciting season ahead.
As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike are left to speculate whether Briatore’s push for Colapinto will prevail, or if Doohan will ultimately take his place on the starting grid. The drama surrounding this possible swap only adds to the anticipation of a thrilling 2025 season, where every driver will be eager to prove themselves and compete for the top spots. With the clock ticking down to the season’s start, the question remains: who will join Gasly at Alpine in 2025?
