Colapinto’s Alpine deal raises questions about Doohan’s F1 future
Franco Colapinto’s signing with Alpine on a multi-year deal has intensified the spotlight on Australian rookie Jack Doohan, who is set to begin his Formula 1 career alongside Pierre Gasly in 2025.
The 21-year-old Argentine impressed during his nine-race stint with Williams in 2024, stepping in for Logan Sargeant and scoring five points across seven races.
His performances not only highlighted his potential but also made him a highly sought-after talent in the paddock.
Alpine acted swiftly, negotiating Colapinto’s release from Williams and securing him as a reserve and test driver for the upcoming season.
The move raises questions about Alpine’s confidence in Doohan, who faces the dual pressure of proving himself as a rookie while competing in an environment where his replacement may already be waiting.
Alpine will be looking to make waves and battle for fifth place in the Constructor standings and compete with Aston Martin.
Currently the team is sitting at $251 odds to win the Constructor Championship with the top F1 bookmakers.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive director and known for his cutthroat management style, offered a candid assessment of the situation when speaking to Le Parisien.
“The only thing we can be sure of is death,” Briatore remarked when asked if Doohan’s seat was secure.
“We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses. If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress or isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”
Doohan’s debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left much to be desired.
He qualified 17th and finished 15th, failing to make the kind of immediate impact demonstrated by other young drivers like Colapinto, who managed to adapt quickly and deliver results under pressure.
While Doohan has been groomed within Alpine’s academy, his junior career has been criticised for lacking standout moments, especially when compared to other rising stars who have dominated both Formula 3 and Formula 2 on their way to F1.
Colapinto’s arrival is about more than just on-track performance.
His growing popularity in Argentina and substantial backing from South American sponsors align with Alpine’s current strategy to cut costs and focus on external revenue streams.
Having recently transitioned from a Renault works operation to a Mercedes customer team, Alpine’s emphasis on financial sustainability makes Colapinto an appealing asset both on and off the track.
Williams team principal James Vowles summarized the significance of the move, stating,
“We believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.”
Doohan finds himself in an unenviable position.
Despite being backed by Briatore’s management, he must now prove his value under immense pressure, starting with his home race at Albert Park.
A strong showing in Melbourne for the Australia GP could buy him time; currently a $501 chance to win at Neds Bookmaker.
Briatore has made it clear that Alpine’s priority is results, and the team’s aggressive recruitment of Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa, and Paul Aron underscores its readiness to pivot if necessary.
Colapinto’s signing represents a significant challenge for Doohan, who now faces the reality of competing not just against his teammate but also against the shadow of his potential successor.
Alpine’s management has signaled that loyalty will not outweigh performance, and Doohan’s F1 future rests squarely on his ability to deliver results from the outset.
With the stakes higher than ever, the 2025 season will determine whether Doohan can rise to the occasion or if Colapinto’s ascent will continue at his expense.
The clock is ticking, and the pressure to perform has never been greater.
