Jack Doohan leaves Alpine F1 after both parties reached a mutual agreement, with the Formula 1 team confirming his departure on Tuesday as he considers new opportunities in motorsport. The change comes after Doohan was demoted in the current F1 season, following his debut as an Alpine graduate during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Doohan’s Path with Alpine and Demotion
Doohan first joined the Alpine team as a development driver before making his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024, becoming the first Alpine Academy graduate to race for the team in F1. However, after only six races into the next season, Doohan lost his seat and was replaced by Franco Colapinto. This shift demoted him to a reserve role, reducing his on-track involvement and casting uncertainty over his future with Alpine.
Official Team Statement on the Split
The Alpine team issued a formal announcement revealing the nature of their agreement and setting the stage for Doohan’s next steps.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team confirms it has reached a mutual agreement with Jack Doohan to not continue his driving services with the team for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season and allow him to pursue other career opportunities,”
– Alpine statement.
The team’s gratitude for Doohan’s commitment was also emphasized.
“The team would like to thank Jack for his commitment and professionalism to the team for the past four years, both on and off track, and wishes him all the best for the future.”
Future Options and Challenges Ahead
Looking forward, speculation suggests that Jack Doohan may shift his focus to Super Formula, a prominent single-seater series in Japan. However, his performance in recent testing at Suzuka, where he crashed three times at the same corner, raises questions about his immediate options and readiness for that championship. The current status of his career pathway remains unclear as Doohan and his management evaluate the best move following his exit from Alpine.
Impact on Alpine F1 and the Broader Series
Doohan’s departure marks the end of a four-year association with Alpine and underscores the competitive pressures within Formula 1 teams as new talents like Franco Colapinto emerge. The team’s decision to part ways reflects ongoing strategic changes as they prepare for future seasons. Doohan’s next move will likely influence perceptions of young driver development and opportunities for reserve drivers in the Formula 1 ecosystem.
