The decision for Colapinto to replace Doohan has been expected since last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix but the plan to effectively give the 21-year-old five races to prove himself against Doohan’s performances was not.
Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore said in a statement: “Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races.
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up.
“We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do in order to maximise our ambitions next year. “
The statement said that Doohan remained “an integral part of the team” and would be first-choice reserve driver during this period.
