Oscar Piastri reacts to Alpine’s shock F1 driver change as Jack Doohan is replaced by rookie Franco Colapinto after six races.
Oscar Piastri has expressed his disappointment over Alpine’s decision to replace his fellow Australian, Jack Doohan, with Franco Colapinto just six races into the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Doohan, 22, has lost his seat at Alpine to Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto, who will now have a five-race trial starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
So far, Alpine has scored just one Grand Prix point this season, courtesy of Pierre Gasly’s seventh-place finish in Bahrain. Gasly added another point with an eighth-place result in the Miami Sprint.
Doohan’s exit leaves Piastri, currently leading the World Championship, as the only Australian left on the F1 grid. Speaking about the situation, Piastri shared a message of support.
“I just saw that the team principal has left as well,” Piastri said. “I haven’t heard directly from Jack yet, but obviously, there have been plenty of rumors. If this is the end for him in F1, he should be incredibly proud. Making it to Formula 1 isn’t easy, especially coming from Australia. I’m really disappointed for him.”
“But if he’s done his last race, he should hold his head high. He’s a Formula 1 driver, and no one can take that away from him. I’m sure he’ll have a successful career in whatever comes next.”
Shortly after the announcement, Colapinto posted a video to his fans on social media, full of excitement about his debut.
“I hope you’ve heard the big news, I’m back on the grid, back in Formula 1 as an Alpine driver,” he said. “It’s an incredible opportunity. Huge thanks to the team for believing in me.”
“Last year it was Monza, now it’s Imola. What a place to start my journey with the team. I can’t wait to get going. Super excited.”
“Thanks to all the fans, to Alpine supporters, and to everyone who stood by me when I wasn’t racing. I hope you enjoy what’s coming. Let’s have some fun and aim for strong results. See you very soon.”
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