Although the official announcement is still pending, leading motorsport media outlets in Europe and Argentina report that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will debut as a full-time Formula 1 driver for Alpine at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend of May 18 at Imola.

The news, which has caused a stir in the racing world, was reported by specialized outlets like The Race and confirmed by prestigious French sports daily L’Équipe, both indicating that Colapinto will replace Australian driver Jack Doohan, who has reportedly already been informed of the change. Adding fuel to the reports, Horacio Marín, CEO of YPF —one of Colapinto’s main sponsors— hinted at the move during an interview on the Argentine news channel A24, when asked by journalist Eduardo Feinmann about the young driver’s return to the track.

Pressure on Doohan has been mounting ever since Colapinto joined Alpine as a reserve driver earlier this year. The 22-year-old Australian has struggled throughout the opening rounds of the 2025 season, collecting penalties, crashes, and early retirements. His latest setback came at the Miami Grand Prix, where he collided with Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) on the first lap, causing heavy car damage and a punctured tire. This came after a major crash during free practice in Japan and a wet-track off in Australia.

Although Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes had confirmed Doohan’s seat for Imola before the Miami race, a combination of poor results, commercial interests around Colapinto, and the influence of senior advisor Flavio Briatore ultimately tipped the scales. According to The Race, Colapinto is the leading candidate over other reserve drivers like Paul Aron, with Doohan expected to be sidelined to an alternative role.

Briatore recently played down speculation when speaking to ESPN, saying jokingly, “For now, reserve, reserve, reserve…” — but all signs point to this being a smokescreen as Alpine finalizes its driver lineup.

While Alpine competed in Miami, Colapinto remained in England, working in the simulator at the Enstone base, preparing for what now seems like an imminent return to racing. The Argentine has previous race experience, having finished the 2024 season as a Williams driver, scoring points in Azerbaijan and Austin (United States), before joining Alpine as a reserve this year.

Colapinto’s arrival marks a historic moment for Argentine motorsport, which hasn’t had a full-time driver in the Formula 1 grid for years. Now, fans eagerly await the official announcement to see the young talent take to the track at Imola.