Argentine driver Franco Colapinto was officially announced this Wednesday as the newest addition to the Alpine team in Formula 1, taking over from Australian Jack Doohan starting with the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. Colapinto, who had already been a reserve driver this season, celebrated the news excitedly on social media: “Happy! We’re back. Let’s go all in.”

Five races to prove himself at Alpine and A whole country backing Colapinto

Starting in Imola (May 16–18), Colapinto will compete in at least five Grands Prix for Alpine: Italy, Monaco, Spain, Canada, and Austria. The French team explained that the change is due to “technical reasons” and is part of an internal performance evaluation. Doohan will now take on the reserve driver role during this period.

In his posts, Colapinto thanked Alpine for the opportunity and shared a touching video with one of his main sponsors, Mercado Libre, where he’s seen putting on his helmet and saying: “See you in Imola.” The final message, “Franco is back. So are we all,” sums up the support and excitement his return has sparked among Argentine fans.

From Williams to Alpine: a new chapter

Colapinto’s return marks his second stint in Formula 1, after debuting last season with Williams, where he filled in for Logan Sargeant in nine races and picked up five points, standing out with an eighth-place finish in Azerbaijan and a tenth in Austin (USA).

The move also comes as Alpine makes changes at the top: team principal Oliver Oakes has stepped down, with Flavio Briatore coming in as his replacement. As for Doohan, the 22-year-old was promoted to the main team last year to replace Esteban Ocon, but has struggled to deliver, still scoreless after six races, while teammate Pierre Gasly has picked up seven points.