Franco Colapinto is poised to replace Jack Doohan at Imola, as hinted by YPF’s president, signaling a major Alpine F1 shake-up.
Miami this weekend could mark the last race for Jack Doohan behind the wheel of an Alpine F1 car, despite reassurances recently given by his team bosses, Oliver Oakes and Flavio Briatore.
Speculation about his future has been building throughout the season, with Franco Colapinto, who has been loaned from Williams for $20 million, seemingly ready to step into the seat at any moment.
The rumors, however, had died down in recent weeks. Team principal Oakes appeared keen to reduce the pressure on Doohan. Still, there were whispers about Alpine’s potential interest in securing more sponsorship money from Colapinto’s backers.
The logos of Argentine e-commerce giant Mercado Libre are already on the A525’s livery, but another major sponsor of Colapinto, Argentine oil giant YPF, has yet to make its presence known.
Some believe this delay might be due to a conflict with ENI, a new sponsor for Alpine this season.
This week, YPF president Horacio Marin was interviewed by A24 TV, where he was directly asked whether Colapinto would race for Alpine F1 this season.
“I can’t tell you,” Marin responded with a laugh.
The interviewer pressed further: “Will he make his debut in Miami?”
Once again, Marin chuckled and awkwardly explained that he couldn’t comment on that.
However, as the interview wrapped up, with music playing and the closing screen displayed, Marin was caught off guard thinking the mic was off, and quietly whispered to his interviewer, “At Imola!”
It’s clear that after this slip-up, Alpine F1 will face a barrage of questions in the Miami paddock, especially during the media day later this afternoon and evening, all covered live on F1Lead.com.
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Colapinto Set to Replace Doohan at Imola, Reveals Sponsor Colapinto Set to Replace Doohan at Imola, Reveals Sponsor
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