No points, no performance and scrap again in Miami: According to information from RTL/NTV and Sport.de, Formula 1 racing team Alpine will now pull the ripcord and separate from Jack Doohan prematurely. Franco Colapinto is said to be in the cockpit in Imola.
The fact that Jack Doohan’s Formula 1 career at Alpine could end prematurely has long been an open secret in and outside the paddock. Now, according to information from RTL/NTV and sport.de However, earlier than expected to the big bang.
After his disappointing Miami-Aus in the 1st round, Flavio Briatore and Co. saw enough and will be replaced by the Argentine Franco Colapinto the 22-year-old Australian at the upcoming race weekend in Imola (May 16 to 18).
“He has already done secret tests that were not so secret and convinced,” explains the long-time RTL reporter and sport.de-Kolumnist Felix Görner.
Doohan with Formula 1 season to forget
Alpine has not yet officially confirmed the driver change. The fact that something is in the bush gave an answer from Flavio Briatore in Miami. When the Italian was asked directly whether Colapinto would drive from Imola for alpine, he did not deny the rumors and said in a varied manner: “He is our replacement driver. Replacement, replacement, replacement.”
Nobody surprises that this replacement is now being used in Formula 1 circles. Doohan was competitive from time to time in qualifying, but only finished four races and took place 13, 15, 14 and 17.
In Melbourne and Miami he produced two accidents and did not see the flag. In Japan, he also made a beginner mistake in training when he forgot to close his DRS flap and then also ended up in the gang.
A few weeks ago, it was speculated that Doohan would get time in the cockpit at least until summer. However, the devastating appearance in Florida leaves the person responsible no other choice than already pulling the ripcord.
Formula 1: Alpine sponsor fueled Colapinto rumors
The rumors about an early change had already received new food before the race weekend in Miami.
The reason was statements by a large sponsor of Colapinto, who accidentally talked about in an interview that the Argentinian would be sitting in the cockpit in the Imola.
Said sponsor then rowed back and spoke of a misunderstanding. However, this explanation did not seem really credible.