Jack Doohan maintains a slim chance of securing a race seat with Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season, according to information from PlanetF1.com. Despite recent comments by Alpine’s executive adviser Flavio Briatore suggesting that the team’s decision will come down to a choice between Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron, Doohan is still reportedly in the conversation for a return.
After debuting at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Doohan started the 2025 campaign as a teammate to Pierre Gasly with Alpine. However, following six races without scoring points, the Australian was replaced by Colapinto from the Imola Grand Prix onwards.
Performance Challenges for Doohan and Colapinto in Alpine’s 2025 Campaign
Despite a strong finish to last season with Williams, Franco Colapinto has struggled to extract results from Alpine’s A525 car, failing to score points in 11 starts so far. Doohan’s initial run also did not yield points in his six races. This difficult start has placed Alpine in a position where they are reconsidering driver options for 2026.
Briatore, who manages Doohan, recently indicated the team’s narrowed focus on drivers within its current reserve lineup, mentioning only Colapinto and Paul Aron in a pre-Azerbaijan Grand Prix interview. It is understood that Doohan’s name was not specifically addressed, as the question targeted the future of the two other drivers.
Doohan’s Role Within Alpine Despite Being Demoted
After reverting to the role of reserve driver, Doohan has continued to attend all Alpine race weekends since the summer break. The team has publicly emphasized that Doohan remains a vital member and will be the first-choice reserve should either Gasly or Colapinto be unable to race in 2025.
Doohan has expressed his commitment to the team’s long-term goals, vowing to
continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to achieve those.
Jack Doohan, Driver
Rising Contender Paul Aron’s Path Toward a Race Seat
Paul Aron, the 21-year-old Estonian racer and fellow Alpine reserve driver, has gained valuable experience through multiple FP1 outings this season. He filled in during first practice sessions for Nico Hulkenberg in Britain and Hungary through an unusual arrangement involving Sauber. Aron made his Alpine FP1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix, substituting for Colapinto, though he finished 20th and last in that session, half a second behind Gasly.
Franco Colapinto’s Sponsorship Backing and Uncertain Future
Colapinto is believed to provide substantial sponsorship support for Alpine, yet Briatore has suggested the Argentine’s place is not guaranteed for 2026. Alpine faces a direct decision between him and Aron for the upcoming season, signaling a willingness to replace Colapinto if the performance does not improve.
Jack Doohan’s F1 Future Beyond Alpine
In parallel, Doohan has been linked as a potential candidate for the new Cadillac F1 team entering the sport in 2026. His father, legendary motorcycle racer Mick Doohan, met with Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon during the British Grand Prix weekend to discuss prospects. Nevertheless, Doohan missed out on a race seat after Cadillac signed experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
It remains unclear whether Doohan could still secure a role within Cadillac, as the team has yet to announce a reserve driver for its debut season. This uncertainty adds to the cautious environment surrounding Doohan’s future in Formula 1.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Doohan and Alpine?
Jack Doohan’s situation reflects the competitive and unpredictable nature of F1 driver lineups, where sponsorship, team strategy, and on-track results all weigh heavily. Alpine’s decision could impact its driver development path, as the team balances nurturing young talent like Aron, supporting established names, and managing sponsorship considerations linked to Colapinto.
For Doohan, continuing as a reserve driver offers a foothold within Formula 1, but securing a race seat will depend on further opportunities or shifts in Alpine’s strategy. The 2026 season represents a critical juncture for both the team and its drivers as they prepare for new regulations and team entries.
