RUMORS DENIED: FRANCO COLAPINTO REPLACING JACK DOOHAN FOR IMOLA F1 RACE
Alpine Formula 1 team boss, Oliver Oakes, shuts down speculations about Franco Colapinto taking over Jack Doohan’s seat at the upcoming Imola Grand Prix, dismissing the chatter as mere “noise” for now. Despite Colapinto being signed as Alpine’s reserve driver last January, Oakes confirmed that Doohan is set to continue driving for the team at Imola.
The Argentine driver, Colapinto, who had a brief stint with Williams in the previous season, has been the subject of much anticipation regarding a potential return to the F1 grid. The rumors gained momentum after Horacio Marín, CEO of Argentina’s YPF, hinted in an off-air interview that Colapinto could debut at Imola. However, Marín later clarified his comments, attributing them to personal hopes rather than concrete information.
Oakes addressed the speculation during the team principals’ press conference at the Miami Grand Prix, acknowledging the natural inclination for such rumors but affirming that Doohan will be retaining his seat alongside Pierre Gasly. Oakes attributed the buzz to a sponsor from Argentina expressing a desire to see Colapinto race, emphasizing that Doohan’s performance is pivotal, despite the ongoing speculations.
While the F1 community awaits the Imola race with bated breath, Oakes reiterated, “As it is today, Jack is our driver, along with Pierre. I think we’ve been pretty clear about that. I mean, we always evaluate it. But yes, today that’s the case.”
Stay tuned as the F1 drama unfolds, with the spotlight on Doohan and Colapinto intensifying ahead of the Imola showdown.
