Jack Doohan faces intense scrutiny as Alpine signs Franco Colapinto, a move that threatens his position within the team for the 2025 season. This pressure intensified during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend when a severe crash further complicated his prospects. The incident, coupled with unsatisfactory recent performances, casts doubt over his future in Alpine’s lineup, especially with Colapinto hovering in the background, eager to seize any opportunity to secure an F1 seat.
The young driver, just 22, hasn’t delivered the expected results in 2025. After failing to finish his home race in Australia, he secured 13th in China and 15th in Japan. The crash, which occurred at over 186 mph, was a significant setback during Friday’s practice session. Jack’s mental resilience and physical recovery drew praise, yet the crash itself was alarming. According to experienced F1 photographer Kym Illman, “Of course, these guys are incredibly fit, but when you collide with a wall, albeit a wall with six rows of tires, it does put tremendous strain on your body in the end.” These words highlight not only the physical toll on Doohan but also his determination to persevere amidst adversity.
He didn’t show any visible signs of discomfort on camera, perhaps to not reveal any vulnerability while Colapinto awaits his chance. Recently, images of Colapinto conducting a ‘TPC’ test with Alpine at Monza have emerged, adding to the mounting pressure on Doohan. Reports suggest that Colapinto, a high-profile reserve driver for Williams, is edging closer to Doohan’s seat, yet Alpine insiders believe Doohan’s courage will assert his value to the management.
Despite these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope in Doohan’s camp for his retention at Alpine. However, Florencia Andersen, an Argentine journalist, speculated on a national podcast, “Franco is getting closer and closer, hence the expectation…at some point, he’ll have a spot with that team.” Although a timeline for any potential switch wasn’t specified, the suggestion is that Doohan’s tenure in F1 may be nearing an end. Further complicating matters for Doohan, he leads the Destructors’ Championship with repair expenses surpassing $2.3 million in a mere three races.
While everything seems to be stacking against him, Jack’s management asserts he is bound to Alpine with a multi-year contract. This assurance, however, is questionable if rumors from last year are to be believed, leaving the door open for Colapinto to potentially replace him as soon as Imola should his contract indeed span just six races.
The impact of this unfolding situation is profound. Jack Doohan’s struggle to retain his seat not only affects his standing in Alpine but could also shape future driver line-ups across the grid. Should he falter, Colapinto’s advancement signifies a shift towards new racing talent in F1. As events continue to unfold, the anticipation lingers regarding whether Doohan can convert adversity into the momentum needed to cement his place or if Franco Colapinto will become Alpine’s next favored driver.
