Jack Doohan: Alpine’s Young Contender Faces Unexpected Twist in F1 Career
Jack Doohan, once celebrated as the next big talent at Alpine, now finds himself in a challenging phase of his Formula 1 career. In a dramatic turn of events for the 2025 season, the team opted for a significant change that could reshape both Doohan’s trajectory and Alpine’s season goals.
Jack Doohan during an Alpine F1 race weekend. The Australian’s future with the team is now under fresh scrutiny.
Alpine’s Mid-Season Shakeup: Doohan Replaced
After just six rounds in his rookie Formula 1 campaign, Alpine decided to replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto on a five-race deal beginning at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This bold move follows Doohan’s inability to score points in his debut season, despite flashes of raw speed behind the wheel. The change, announced alongside the appointment of Flavio Briatore as executive advisor, signals a new phase of evaluation within Alpine’s driver program.
For an in-depth look at the decision and its implications, visit Sky Sports' report on Alpine's surprise driver change.
The Story Behind the Switch
Doohan’s tenure as a primary driver had started with promise. He was promoted after three years as Alpine’s reserve and filled in for the final race of 2024. However, consistent speculation around his seat intensified when Colapinto was signed as reserve at the start of the year. Crashes in Australia and Japan, and the mounting pressure in the paddock, contributed to the difficult decision.
Colapinto, meanwhile, brings his own momentum, having impressed for Williams and now looking to solidify his place in Formula 1. For Alpine, introducing Colapinto is part of a wider strategy—a driver rotation to assess performance and potential ahead of the critical 2026 season.
Impact on Team Dynamics and Leadership
The timing of this switch is noteworthy. It closely followed the resignation of Oliver Oakes as Alpine's team principal, with Flavio Briatore stepping up to guide the team through ongoing changes. Briatore emphasized the need for "complete and fair assessment" of the team’s roster, suggesting that Alpine’s management is leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of future success. Discover more about the leadership transition and perspectives from both Oakes and Briatore in this official Formula 1 article.
Jack Doohan’s Response and Next Steps
Despite the setback, Jack Doohan remains a consummate professional. He expressed gratitude for achieving his childhood dream of racing in Formula 1 and reaffirmed his commitment to support Alpine as their reserve driver. Doohan stated, "The latest chapter is tough to take, but I appreciate the team’s trust and will continue giving my maximum efforts to their long-term goals."
As the European leg of the racing season kicks off, all eyes will be on Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly in the Alpine cars, while supporters track Doohan's progress from the sidelines.
Conclusion: A Crucible for Young Talent
The events surrounding Jack Doohan highlight the high-stakes and volatile nature of Formula 1. For fans of the Australian racer, this period will test his resilience and adaptability, but may ultimately strengthen his resolve for future opportunities. Alpine’s gamble—mixing youth and experience—could set the team up for improved performance, while keeping competition for seats fierce.
To stay updated on Jack Doohan, Alpine’s evolving lineup, and additional F1 news, follow reputable sources like Sky Sports F1 and the official Formula 1 website.