Alpine’s newest driver could see his seat threatened before starting a race for the French outfit. After a turgid start to the Formula 1 season, the team’s rookie driver Jack Doohan has been dropped to reserve driver. His replacement? Their former reservist, Franco Colapinto.

The young Argentine is set to make his first race start for the team at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy next weekend. Doohan only managed six races for Alpine before they decided they needed a fresh approach to racing in their car. It has been a disappointing start in Formula 1 for Doohan, who failed to score a single point in his six starts. It becomes even bleaker when you factor in his three crashes: one on opening weekend in Australia and two more in Japan and Miami.

In the dog-eat-dog world of Formula 1, unless you are performing week-after-week, your seat is rarely safe. As such, Colapinto’s long-term future at Alpine is not guaranteed.

His Alpine contract only guarantees him a seat for the next five rounds, as Alpine will look to re-evaluate their lineup ahead of the British Grand Prix. On top of the short period of time to create a lasting impression, Alpine reportedly has its eyes on a seasoned veteran who is currently out of contract.

Franco Colapinto Could Reportedly Be Replaced By Sergio Perez at Alpine

Talks have already begun

According to The Race, Alpine has held talks with former Red Bull stalwart Sergio Perez. Checo has been without a seat since his dismissal by Christian Horner following a disappointing season last time out. Despite Max Verstappen reclaiming the Driver’s championship last year, the Milton Keynes outfit lost out on the Constructors’ championship off the back of some rather uninspiring driving from the Mexican.

Despite his rather poor performances last season, the six-time race winner is still very well regarded in the sport, as shown through heavy links to joining the newly formed Cadillac team, who are set to compete on the grid in 2026. However, with reports stating Perez and Alpine have been in talks since last year, the Mexican may join his fellow ex-Red Bull star Pierre Gasly at the French team next season.

Perez may prefer a move to a more established side, such as Alpine, as they will be much more equipped to support him in the short term, as Cadillac finds their feet in the sport. The strength of Alpine’s pursuit of Perez is ultimately likely to come down to how well Colapinto performs. has five races to show bosses just what he is about.

Despite the disappointment of losing his seat so early in the season, Doohan is confident that fans will see him behind the wheel again this year, saying:

“I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula 1 driver and I will forever be grateful to the team for helping me achieve this dream. Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing. That said, I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment. We have long-term goals as a team to achieve and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those.”

Jack will be watching the next five races intently, hoping this opportunity is back in his hands soon, while wishing the best for the team.