The Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit in Imola, Italy, hosts the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend, the seventh round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The race marks the return of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto to the grid, now as a full-time driver for Alpine, replacing Australian Jack Doohan. At 21, Colapinto faces the challenge of adapting to a new car in just five guaranteed races, while reigniting South American presence alongside Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber.
The driver swap at Alpine sparked discussions in the paddock, with Colapinto taking over Doohan’s seat after just six races in the 2025 season. Announced post-Miami GP, the decision reflects Alpine’s push for better results in a fiercely competitive midfield.
- New challenge: Colapinto debuts in Alpine’s A525 car, with no prior race experience in the model.
- South American rivalry: Colapinto and Bortoleto revive South America’s representation in F1 after 24 years.
- Pressure for results: Alpine, ninth in the constructors’ championship, hopes Colapinto can replicate his solid 2024 Williams performance.
Colapinto’s return to Formula 1 comes amid a restructuring at Alpine, with team principal Oliver Oakes departing and executive advisor Flavio Briatore taking charge. The French team seeks recovery after a season of underwhelming results, and the bet on the young Argentine is seen as a strategic move to boost performance.
On track for the first time as an @AlpineF1Team driver 👌🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/OcUnmekHVR
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 16, 2025
Paddock reactions to the driver change
The replacement of Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto at Alpine has not gone unnoticed in the Formula 1 world. Drivers and teams shared varied opinions on the decision, highlighting both Colapinto’s talent and the tough situation faced by Doohan. The Argentine, who scored five points in nine races for Williams in 2024, is recognized for his quick adaptation, but the pressure to deliver immediate results in a new car is significant.
Doohan, who failed to score points in the first six races of 2025, received support from fellow drivers like Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar, who called Alpine’s decision “unfair.” Despite this, the Australian remains with the team as a reserve driver, with promises of future opportunities. The driver rotation underscores the high-stakes nature of Formula 1, where only 20 seats are available for a growing pool of talents.
- Support for Doohan: Drivers praised the Australian’s dedication, having served as a reserve for years before his 2025 chance.
- Praise for Colapinto: His 2024 performance, with points in Baku and Austin, was cited as proof of his potential.
- Seat debate: The limited number of F1 seats heightens pressure on young drivers to deliver results quickly.
Colapinto’s arrival on the grid also reignited enthusiasm in Argentina, where he is celebrated as the country’s first F1 representative in over two decades. His journey, marked by strong results in junior categories like his 2024 Formula 2 win in Imola, fuels fans’ expectations.
Colapinto’s history at Imola
The Imola circuit holds special significance for Franco Colapinto. In 2024, he secured his first Formula 2 victory at the Italian track, racing for MP Motorsport. The circuit, known for challenging corners like Tamburello and Acque Minerali, demands precision and confidence—qualities Colapinto showcased in his junior career.
During Friday’s free practice, the Argentine completed 21 laps, finishing the first session in 17th, less than a second off the leader. Despite a minor off-track moment, he showed progressive adaptation to Alpine’s car. His prior simulator work and a test in an older Alpine F1 car at Zandvoort, Netherlands, last week were key to his preparation.
Colapinto expressed excitement about returning to Imola, where he competed successfully before. He recalled his Formula 2 win as a career milestone, boosting his confidence for the race weekend. Familiarity with the track could be an advantage in his Alpine debut, though understanding the A525 car’s behavior remains a hurdle.
South American rivalry with Bortoleto
For the first time in 24 years, Formula 1 features drivers from Argentina and Brazil competing simultaneously. Gabriel Bortoleto, a rookie with Sauber, has represented Brazil since the 2025 season’s start, while Colapinto brings Argentina’s flag back to the sport. Their presence rekindles a friendly rivalry reminiscent of historic battles between Brazilian and Argentine drivers in other motorsport categories.
Bortoleto, who won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in 2023 and 2024, faced Colapinto in junior categories. In 2023’s Formula 3, the Brazilian finished 54 points ahead of Colapinto, who placed fourth. In 2024’s Formula 2, Bortoleto again took the championship, while Colapinto, promoted mid-season to Williams, finished ninth. Despite the competitive history, the drivers maintain mutual respect.
- Competitive history: Bortoleto outperformed Colapinto in the last two seasons of junior categories.
- F1 debut: Both are 2025 rookies, with Bortoleto racing since the season opener and Colapinto returning in Imola.
- Regional representation: The duo symbolizes South America’s return to the F1 grid after decades of absence.
The rivalry, though less intense than in soccer, generates excitement among South American fans. In Imola, Bortoleto faced challenges in the first practice, crashing at the final corner, which halted the session. The Brazilian, who was ninth before the incident, aims to recover over the weekend.
Alpine’s season performance
Alpine is navigating a tough 2025 season, sitting ninth in the constructors’ championship. While the A525 car performs well in corners, as shown by Pierre Gasly in the Japanese GP, the Renault power unit limits its potential on high-speed tracks. Colapinto’s arrival aims to maximize results in the midfield, where the fight for points is intense.
Gasly, Colapinto’s teammate, secured a seventh place in Bahrain and a point in Miami’s sprint race, but consistent results have been elusive. The team hopes Colapinto’s energy and speed, proven at Williams, will lift their standings. The Argentine, however, stressed the need for time to adapt to the car, noting that five races may not suffice to reach his peak performance.
Alpine’s internal reshuffle, with Oliver Oakes’ exit and Flavio Briatore’s leadership, adds pressure for progress. Briatore, known for his demanding approach, closely monitors Colapinto’s debut, with the driver’s performance set to be evaluated after the Austrian GP on June 29.
Expectations for the Emilia-Romagna GP
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, with Colapinto’s Alpine debut and the return of South American rivalry to the grid. Imola’s 4.909-kilometer, 19-turn layout is technically demanding with limited overtaking opportunities, making Saturday’s qualifying critical for race results. Weather conditions, which can vary in the region, will also be a factor for teams to watch.
Despite his modest 17th place in first practice, Colapinto showed competitiveness, staying close to drivers like McLaren’s Lando Norris. His ability to maintain pace over long stints will be tested in practice and the Sunday race. The Argentine emphasized the importance of working with engineers to tailor the car to his preferences, particularly on a track where small mistakes can cost positions.
- Track challenges: Corners like Rivazza and Variante Alta demand precision and confidence.
- Tire strategy: Choosing between medium and hard compounds will be key for wear management.
- Midfield competition: McLaren, Williams, and Racing Bulls are direct rivals for Alpine in the points battle.
Expectations for Colapinto are high, especially after his successful Williams stint, where he scored points in challenging tracks like Baku and Austin. His ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as the 2024 Baku incident, reinforces confidence in his potential to deliver in Imola.
Colapinto’s Formula 1 journey
Franco Colapinto debuted in Formula 1 in 2024, replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams from the Monza GP. His first race, on a legendary circuit, yielded a 12th place, but he quickly showed promise, earning four points with an eighth-place finish in Baku and one more with a 10th in Austin. These results in a midfield car caught the eye of teams like Alpine, which signed him as a reserve driver for early 2025.
Colapinto’s promotion to a full-time role reflects his reputation as a fast and adaptable driver. His experience testing older Alpine cars in Zandvoort and intensive simulator work were critical preparation steps. However, he acknowledges that transitioning to the A525 requires learning, especially compared to the Williams car he mastered by late 2024.
The five-race window poses a challenge, but Colapinto remains calm. In interviews, he said he’s not focused on the deadline’s pressure but on seizing every chance to learn and contribute to the team. His pragmatic approach is seen as a strength by Alpine’s engineers and staff.
Flavio Briatore’s role at Alpine
Flavio Briatore’s leadership marks a new chapter for Alpine, which seeks recovery after a rocky season start. The Italian, known for his successful stints with Benetton and Renault in the 1990s and 2000s, took over after Oliver Oakes’ departure. His decision to promote Colapinto reflects a push for immediate results while betting on young talent for the team’s future.
Briatore was at Alpine’s Enstone base the week before the Emilia-Romagna GP, overseeing preparations for Colapinto and Gasly. In a social media post, he highlighted the focus on work and the Argentine’s debut, signaling confidence in the new lineup. His experience managing young drivers, like Fernando Alonso in the past, is seen as an asset for guiding Colapinto in his second F1 stint.
The executive advisor also oversees technical changes to improve the A525 car’s performance. Collaboration with race director Dave Greenwood and other management strengthens the support structure around Colapinto, who will have resources to maximize his potential in upcoming races.
Cultural impact in Argentina
Franco Colapinto’s return to Formula 1 has sparked a wave of excitement in Argentina, where motorsport enjoys a passionate fanbase. Since Juan Manuel Fangio’s five world titles in the 1950s, the country hasn’t seen such a promising representative in the sport. Colapinto’s presence on the grid, broadcast live by outlets like ESPN, has mobilized fans nationwide, who follow his races with fervor.
Formula 1’s social media highlighted Colapinto’s arrival at Imola’s paddock, sharing images of the driver in Alpine gear and messages celebrating his return. Alpine’s official account joined in, posting a lighthearted video poking fun at the Argentine’s love for pizza, reinforcing his integration into the F1 scene. These moments of levity contrast with the pressure he faces on track but help build his image as a charismatic driver.
- Fangio’s legacy: Colapinto is seen as an heir to Argentina’s motorsport tradition.
- Fan engagement: Thousands of Argentines follow races on social media and at public events.
- Media support: Outlets like La Nación and Infobae have dedicated extensive coverage to Colapinto’s Alpine debut.
Colapinto’s connection with fans also shines through his approachable demeanor. In interviews, he stressed the importance of representing Argentina and thanked supporters since his 2024 debut. His journey inspires young drivers in the country, who see Formula 1 as an achievable goal.
Colapinto’s technical preparation
Colapinto’s transition to Alpine required intensive preparation, especially given his lack of experience with the A525 car. Before the Emilia-Romagna GP, he spent hours in the team’s simulator, adjusting to the car’s characteristics and upcoming tracks. The Zandvoort test with an older Alpine car helped him gain confidence in the chassis’ dynamic behavior.
In Imola’s free practice, Colapinto worked with engineers to optimize the car’s setup, focusing on areas like aerodynamic balance and traction in low-speed corners. His ability to provide detailed feedback, honed during his Williams stint, has been praised by Alpine’s technical team. Despite finishing 17th in the first session, he showed consistency, staying less than a second behind leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren.
The driver also noted the need to adapt to the A525’s driving style, which differs from the Williams car in aspects like engine response and weight distribution. Collaboration with Pierre Gasly, who knows the car well, is a valuable resource for speeding up this process. Colapinto plans to use upcoming practice sessions to refine his approach, especially for qualifying.
Colapinto’s upcoming races
Colapinto’s Alpine contract secures his participation in at least five races: Imola (May 18), Monaco (May 25), Spain (June 1), Canada (June 15), and Austria (June 29). Each track presents unique challenges, testing his ability to adapt quickly to the car and compete in the midfield. After the Austrian GP, Alpine will evaluate whether he continues in the seat for the rest of the season.
Monaco, with its narrow streets and demand for precision, will be a critical test for Colapinto, who has never raced there in Formula 1. Spain’s more traditional circuit will allow him to explore the car’s aerodynamic balance in high-speed corners. Canada’s long straights may challenge the Renault power unit’s limitations, while Austria’s short layout and overtaking opportunities could offer a chance for points.
- Monaco: Focus on precision and confidence in a track where errors are heavily penalized.
- Spain: Opportunity to test the A525’s aerodynamic balance in fast corners.
- Canada: Challenge of managing power unit limitations on a high-speed track.
- Austria: Chance to fight for points on a track favoring overtakes.
Colapinto remains optimistic yet realistic about the upcoming races. He acknowledges that adapting to the car will be gradual but believes his 2024 experience prepared him for the competitive environment. Alpine hopes he can deliver consistent results to justify the decision to promote him.
