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Alpine Confirms Doohan Exit as Colapinto Starts 2026 Program With Engine Integration Delays

Early Barcelona running is pushed back as Alpine adapts to a new Mercedes power unit.

Overview

  • Alpine announced a mutual agreement with Jack Doohan to end his deal for 2026, freeing the Australian to pursue other opportunities.
  • Franco Colapinto is set for his first full season as a race driver and has resumed simulator work at Enstone.
  • The team postponed its initial Barcelona shakedown due to difficulties integrating the new Mercedes power unit.
  • Reporter Jorge Magistris says Colapinto will miss the immediate Barcelona running and join testing about two weeks later, with Pierre Gasly expected to log the first miles.
  • Media in Argentina report Alpine is recruiting Irish F2 driver Alex Dunne for a reserve role, as the team targets a Jan. 23 livery reveal, late-January private running in Barcelona, and February pre-season tests in Bahrain.