F1 star dropped following Miami Grand Prix as 'bizarre contract' confirmed for replacement driver
A second Formula One driver sacking of the season has been announced following the Miami Grand Prix at the weekend.
After struggling as Max Verstappen's partner with Red Bull, Liam Lawson was demoted back down to sister team Racing Bulls and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just two races.
Lawson has continued to struggle but a second driver has now been given the boot just six races into the 2025 season.
Jack Doohan of Alpine made contact with Lawson in the opening lap of the Miami Gardens circuit at the weekend and suffered a puncture which meant he was one of four drivers forced to retire from the race.
Advert
Pressure on the Australian has continued to mount following a poor start to his debut campaign, which saw him crash out in the opener on home soil and suffer a crash in practice prior to the Japanese Grand Prix.
Now, as expected, he has officially been relieved of his duties and replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto.
F1 confirm immediate sacking decision following the Miami Grand Prix
After a flurry of reports, on Wednesday F1's official account announced the news on X, stating that Colapinto will "race at least the next five races for Alpine" in place of Doohan.
21-year-old Colapinto has raced in nine Grand Prix events in his fledgling career, having made his debut at the Italian Grand Prix in September 2024.
The former Williams driver signed a multi-year deal with Alpine earlier this year and rumours were rife about the prospect of him replacing Doohan on a full-time basis.
He is now slated to partner Pierre Gasly, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola on Sunday 18 May.
The news comes less than a day after Alpine confirmed that Oliver Oakes had stepped down as Team Principal, a role he assumed back in the summer of 2024.
Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will cover Oakes' previous responsibilities in the short-term.
“BWT Alpine Formula One announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role a Team Principal,” a statement read.
“The team has accepted the resignation with immediate effect.
“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes.
"The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors' Championship.
"The team will not be making any further comment."
Topics: Formula 1
Josh Lawless