In an unexpected twist, Jack Doohan‘s tenure as Alpine’s race driver may be in jeopardy as Franco Colapinto’s presence looms larger within the team. Alpine’s decision to bring in the promising Colapinto, who delivered remarkable performances for Williams in 2024, has raised eyebrows. The Enstone-based team is struggling this season, failing to score a single point in the opening three races, with Doohan’s performance coming under scrutiny. The situation has intensified with reports suggesting that if Doohan fails to impress, Colapinto might take his place mid-season.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Jack Doohan, who was informed by Flavio Briatore that he’d replace Esteban Ocon as Alpine’s full-time driver in 2025. After two seasons as a reserve, Doohan was determined to seize this opportunity. Yet, his debut season has been anything but smooth. Franco Colapinto arrived at Alpine with significant backing from Argentine sponsors, making him a valuable asset to the team. His impressive run with Williams, where he scored points twice despite the team’s struggles, has solidified his reputation.
Journalist Florencia Andersen shared insights on a national podcast, noting Colapinto’s growing presence within Alpine. “Franco is getting closer and closer, hence the expectation. Franco says his job is with Alpine, and at some point, he’ll have a spot with that team.” These remarks highlight the potential shift within the team, with Colapinto vying for a full-time position.
As the sole team without points this season, Alpine’s challenges aren’t helping Doohan’s case. Despite the team’s mechanical shortcomings, Doohan’s performance has paled compared to teammate Pierre Gasly. Mistakes have compounded his difficulties, with crashes in both Australia and Japan this season. These incidents have added to Alpine’s woes, pushing their expenses beyond $2.3 million, particularly concerning given Briatore’s reputation for decisive action.
Amid these developments, Alpine granted Colapinto a test run at Monza, part of his reserve duties under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. This opportunity could foreshadow changes as Alpine evaluates options for revitalization. Colapinto’s potential entry could inject talent and much-needed sponsorship support. Observers speculate that unless Doohan significantly improves, he risks becoming the second driver to lose his seat mid-season, following Liam Lawson at Red Bull.
With tension mounting, Jack Doohan confronts a critical juncture in his career. His performance in the upcoming races will be decisive in determining his role within Alpine. As the team grapples with internal and external challenges, the spotlight remains fixed on Doohan, who must harness resilience and skill to retain his coveted position amid fierce competition from Franco Colapinto.
