Jack Doohan’s hopes of securing a long-term Formula 1 race seat with Alpine unraveled sharply after Flavio Briatore announced,
“We’ve decided to take Colapinto for the next race.”
This sudden decision, revealed in early 2026, came amid mounting pressure and speculation around Doohan’s future, shaking the Australian driver’s confidence and position within the team.
Doohan had signed with Alpine in August 2024 as a reserve driver, with expectations to be promoted for the 2025 Formula 1 season. An early debut arrived unexpectedly when Alpine parted ways with Esteban Ocon just before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, enabling Ocon to test for his new 2025 Haas seat. Despite this opportunity, Doohan’s performance fell short as he qualified 20th and finished 15th, gaining only one position during the race.
Underwhelming Debut and Alpine’s Strategic Shift
The following months sparked rumors intensified by Alpine’s January announcement of signing Franco Colapinto, a driver backed by substantial sponsors. Originally added as a reserve, Colapinto’s arrival signaled trouble for Doohan, who had not yet scored any championship points. Even his teammate Pierre Gasly, with far more experience, earned only seven points over six races in 2025, highlighting the team’s overall struggles.
Despite these challenges, Alpine elevated Colapinto to a race seat, officially replacing Doohan halfway through the season at round seven. The decision was partly influenced by financial backing, as Colapinto’s “mega millions” sponsorships provide valuable funding to the team.
Emotional Reactions and Media Spotlight
Netflix’s documentary series Drive to Survive captured behind-the-scenes moments during this transition, including Briatore’s phone call confirming Colapinto’s promotion and the drivers’ reactions. Colapinto greeted the news with laughter, declaring it
“great to be back in Formula 1,”
while Doohan expressed frustration and disbelief.
I thought that it was all bullshit, and now they get to be right,
Doohan said; when questioned by his father Mick about the press coverage, he added,
The press, yeah. That’s what annoys me the most.
— Jack Doohan, Formula 1 driver
Briatore’s decision was also communicated directly in Spanish during a phone call after the Miami Grand Prix:
“Decidimos poner a Colapinto para la próxima carrera, desde Imola.”
(
“We decided to put Colapinto in for the next race, starting at Imola.”
) This call marked the official end of Doohan’s stint as Alpine’s race driver.
Colapinto’s Alpine Tenure and Team Dynamics
Colapinto took over Doohan’s seat from Imola onwards, participating in 18 races throughout the season. Although he did not secure any championship points, Alpine confirmed that the Argentine driver would continue in Formula 1 alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026. Meanwhile, Doohan transitioned to Haas as their reserve driver, a move that signified a step back but allowed him to remain within the F1 system.
The internal team dynamics under Briatore’s leadership have been tense. After a crash in Imola qualifying caused by Colapinto, the Frenchman apologized with “Sorry, it was my mistake.” Briatore’s response reflected the high stakes:
“I know, but if you break the car because of your mistake, it’s my mistake too.”
Later in the season, when Colapinto suggested making changes to his car following another low-performance run, Briatore firmly rejected the idea:
“I’m not interested. I decide what I do, you’re the problem.”
— Flavio Briatore, Alpine team principal
Implications for Doohan and Alpine’s Future
Jack Doohan’s replacement by Franco Colapinto reflects Alpine’s prioritization of financial backing and immediate performance pressures. Doohan’s early struggles contrasted sharply with the expectations placed on him after being positioned as a future race driver, and the decision to drop him highlights the unforgiving nature of Formula 1.
Though Doohan remains involved in Formula 1 as a reserve for Haas, the path to a full-time seat will require resilience and further development. On the other hand, Colapinto’s continued presence at Alpine indicates the team’s willingness to invest in drivers who bring critical sponsorship, even if results are inconsistent.
The season’s developments underscore the fierce competition within F1 teams and the influence of external factors, like sponsorships, on driver selection. Alpine’s decisions this year will likely shape their approach to driver management and championship ambitions moving forward, as the team balances talent, performance, and financial realities.
https://twitter.com/ColapintoFiles/status/2027311244286304295
