There was practically no controversy when Alpine announced in August that Jack Doohan would complete their 2025 line-up. After a difficult start to the year, it seemed logical that Alpine would go for a more low-profile signing and invest in their academy. However, in just a few months, the team’s assessment took a drastic U-turn.
Why Jack Doohan is under threat
Even before Colapinto burst onto the scene in Monza, there were indications that Alpine were not convinced in Doohan for the long-term.
In the aftermath of signing the Australian, Flavio Briatore explained that the team’s driver line-up was not the immediate priority. He argued that Alpine could not sign the best drivers until they produced a more competitive car.
Whilst far from a direct hit against Doohan, the 74-year-old’s statements were hardly a glowing endorsement of the team’s latest signing.
Then again, this is not necessarily something new to F1. There are many examples of teams making driver signings out of necessity – only to be pleasantly surprised by their performance.
However, this is not the dynamic taking place at Enstone. Within months of making his debut, Franco Colapinto was already in contract negotiations with Alpine.
These talks were hardly a secret, either, creating uncertainty about Doohan’s position within the team.
Having delivered a more competitive car towards the end of the season, Alpine were seemingly emboldened by the prospect of signing one of F1’s hottest properties.
Even before Colapinto’s arrival was announced, Flavio Briatore made no guarantees about the future:
“We will start the year with Pierre [Gasly] and Jack,” he told Le Parisien.
“I can guarantee you that. Then, we will see during the season… I have to put the team in a position to achieve results.
“The drivers are responsible for finishing the work of around 1000 people behind them. They all work for just two people.
“If a driver doesn’t deliver results, doesn’t progress, he will be replaced. You can’t be emotional in Formula 1.”
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Thrown into the deep end
Although it seems harsh to suggest that Alpine were never enthusiastic about Doohan in the first place, their belief in his potential cannot be that high if they already have his replacement ready and waiting.
Whilst it would be a stretch to say Doohan’s seat is already gone, it would take a minor miracle for the Australian to finish the year at Alpine.
After all, Colapinto’s manager has confirmed that their agreement with Team Enstone is a 5-year deal. There is no realistic scenario where such a long contract was agreed just for the Argentine to become a reserve driver.
Therefore, it is a matter of when – not if – Colapinto will step into an Alpine F1 car.
On paper, Doohan could change Alpine’s plans. Should he begin matching the performance of teammate Pierre Gasly, replacing him might become a more difficult decision.
However, the chances of a rookie outperforming a seasoned driver like Gasly are very low. This is at the heart of the 21-year-old’s dilemma. Unless he is immediately at Gasly’s pace, all signs indicate that Franco Colapinto will take his seat mid-season.
