Alpine boss breaks silence on Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan

Franco Colapinto’s potential F1 debut stirred speculation after a hot mic moment involving a key sponsor. The comments suggested the Argentine might replace Jack Doohan at Alpine as early as Imola—but the team isn’t ready to confirm anything.



Sponsor Comments Spark Controversy



The stir began during a broadcast break on A24, when Horacio Marin, CEO of YPF—an Argentine energy firm and Colapinto sponsor—allegedly said Colapinto would be in the car “in Imola.” The comment was made off-air but captured by a live microphone, raising questions about Doohan’s future.



Alpine Team Boss Plays It Cool



Alpine principal Oliver Oakes addressed the speculation during a press conference in Miami. “I mean, look, I saw it like everyone else,” he said of the viral clip.



“I think it was a sponsor from Argentina off-camera giving his view on Franco, when he’s going to be in the car. I mean obviously, I’m sure there’s a lot of people in Argentina who’d like him in the car this Sunday.”



Oakes downplayed the noise but acknowledged the pressure. “We’ve been pretty open as a team that… Jack needs to continue doing a good job. But I think obviously it’s natural that there’s always speculation there.”



No Guarantee for Doohan Beyond Miami



Pressed on whether Doohan would remain in the car for Imola, Oakes remained vague. “As it is today, Jack is our driver, along with Pierre,” he said.



“I think we’ve been pretty clear on that. We always evaluate it, but today, that is the case.”
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