Franco Colapinto has emerged as a fan favorite following his recent promotion within Alpine, replacing Jack Doohan for five consecutive Formula 1 races beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. As part of the evaluation process alongside Pierre Gasly, the Argentine driver is under intense scrutiny, with Alpine expected to determine who retains the seat by the time the championship reaches Silverstone in July. However, early fan sentiment appears overwhelmingly in Colapinto’s favor.
A recent RacingNews365 poll revealed that over 65% of respondents support Colapinto remaining in the seat for the rest of the 2025 season. This overwhelming preference suggests a growing confidence in his potential to consistently perform at the highest level, possibly edging out Doohan for the long-term spot. Only a small portion of the audience—around 13%—believe that another decision will be made midway through the stint.
Meanwhile, hopes for Doohan’s reinstatement appear slim, with just over 5% of voters believing he will return post-Silverstone. Even speculative names such as Paul Aron and Sergio Pérez received marginally higher support in the poll. This statistical disparity paints a clear picture of the fanbase’s shifting expectations, as Colapinto’s early impressions seem to have resonated far more strongly than anticipated.
This development places Alpine in a crucial position, as fan pressure and performance data will now jointly influence their strategic direction. The decision to test Colapinto across five races highlights a deliberate move to assess his compatibility not just with the car, but with the team’s long-term ambitions. His brief stint with Williams in late 2024 may have already laid the groundwork for what many now view as a seamless transition.
As the calendar moves swiftly through iconic tracks—Imola, Monaco, and eventually Austria—Colapinto’s journey could define Alpine’s 2025 trajectory. Whether the team prioritizes emerging talent or reverts to experience will become clear soon, but for now, the fans have spoken—and they’re placing their faith firmly in Franco.