Alpine’s commitment to nurturing emerging motorsport talent has taken a decisive step forward with the announcement that Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto will test the team’s Formula 1 machinery later this season. This move signals a bold shift in the team’s youth development strategy, aligning with growing speculation that Jack Doohan, the current reserve driver, is on the brink of securing a full-time F1 seat for 2025.
The Enstone-based outfit is clearly orchestrating a succession plan, and Colapinto’s upcoming test underscores the importance Alpine places on its development programme. With Doohan already primed for a potential promotion, the spotlight now turns to Colapinto, who has been steadily impressing in the junior formulae under Alpine’s guidance.
Franco Colapinto: The Rising Argentinian Star in Alpine’s Ranks
Franco Colapinto, currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with MP Motorsport, has rapidly established himself as a future contender for a Formula 1 seat. The 21-year-old joined the Alpine Academy in 2023 and has since delivered consistent performances in F2, showcasing both raw speed and strategic intelligence.
Colapinto’s anticipated test in a 2022-spec Alpine A522 will mark his debut behind the wheel of an F1 car. The private test is expected to take place in Europe and is part of the team’s strategic push to evaluate Academy drivers in real-world F1 conditions. Sources close to Alpine suggest that Colapinto’s feedback during simulator work has been highly rated, further justifying his inclusion in the testing schedule.
This opportunity comes at a critical point in Colapinto’s career and Alpine’s future planning. With Alpine seeking long-term stability and performance gains, integrating promising young drivers like Colapinto into the testing programme signals a potential trajectory toward a future race seat.
Jack Doohan Poised for Full-Time F1 Role in 2025
Jack Doohan, the 21-year-old Australian and Alpine’s current reserve driver, appears to be on the cusp of securing his long-awaited F1 debut. Following multiple FP1 outings in 2023 and impressive simulator work at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, Doohan has positioned himself as a strong candidate for Alpine’s 2025 driver line-up.
Team Principal Bruno Famin has consistently praised Doohan’s technical insight and calm demeanor under pressure. With Esteban Ocon’s and Pierre Gasly’s contracts under review for the 2025 season, the door may open for Doohan to step into a race seat — possibly replacing one of the current drivers or moving into a seat at a customer or affiliated team.
Doohan’s recent success in private testing, as well as his familiarity with the team’s operations, puts him ahead of many contenders. His strong rapport with the engineering team and feedback-driven approach has drawn comparisons to established drivers, and Alpine sees him as a key part of their future.
Alpine’s Driver Pipeline: Strategic Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Alpine is clearly refining its long-term driver pipeline, ensuring that talent like Doohan and Colapinto are ready to take the helm when opportunities arise. The Alpine Academy has played a crucial role in developing Formula 1-level skills in its protégés, with a rigorous schedule of simulator training, trackside experience, and technical debriefs.
The team is also leveraging private testing sessions to evaluate drivers under authentic F1 conditions. The A522, while not the current season’s car, offers an accurate platform to assess driver adaptability, tire management, and engineering communication.
This progression model illustrates Alpine’s structured approach to nurturing talent from karting and junior single-seaters to full F1 readiness.
The Broader Implications of Colapinto’s F1 Test
Colapinto’s F1 test is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents Alpine’s growing interest in diversifying their driver lineup while deepening their roots in South American markets. Argentina, a nation with a storied Formula 1 history through legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann, has long awaited the return of one of its own to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Alpine’s decision to back Colapinto not only broadens their global appeal but also strengthens their developmental credibility. Should Colapinto excel in his F1 test, it could open the door to FP1 sessions or even a reserve role in the near term, accelerating his journey to the F1 grid.
What This Means for Alpine’s Current Driver Line-Up
The current driver pairing of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly has yet to deliver consistent top-tier results in 2024. With both drivers’ contracts expiring at the end of 2024, Alpine’s management is keeping all options on the table. Promoting from within allows the team to maintain continuity while injecting fresh energy and hunger into the team dynamics.
Should performance metrics continue to underwhelm, the team might opt for a more radical overhaul — potentially fielding Doohan as a race driver and Colapinto as a reserve with FP1 responsibilities in 2025.
Conclusion: Alpine’s Youth Movement Gains Momentum
Alpine’s decision to test Franco Colapinto is a significant step in its evolution as a future-facing Formula 1 team. As Jack Doohan edges closer to a full-time seat, Colapinto’s emergence ensures that Alpine’s driver bench remains deep, competitive, and brimming with potential.
The combination of targeted testing, strategic foresight, and investment in youth places Alpine in a strong position to weather the competitive demands of the modern Formula 1 landscape. Both Doohan and Colapinto symbolize a new era — one driven by talent, ambition, and a meticulously crafted roadmap to F1 success.
With a test looming and contracts hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Alpine as they make pivotal decisions that could shape their future across the next Formula 1 era.
