Formula One Alpine replace rookie Doohan with Colapinto

Alpine have announced that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan, above, for the next five Formula One races.

- Philip DUNCAN

ALPINE have announced that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five Formula One races.

Rookie Doohan’s future has been in doubt since Colapinto signed for Alpine from Williams in January as a reserve driver.

Colapinto, 21, will now be given his chance alongside Pierre Gasly until at least the end of the Austrian Grand Prix on June 29 with Doohan, 22, demoted to reserve driver.

Alpine say they will then assess their options ahead of the British Grand Prix a week later.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that British team principal Oliver Oakes had resigned as team principal after just nine months in the role, with executive director Flavio Briatore assuming his responsibilities.