Argentinian sensation Franco Colapinto is closing in on a deal to join Alpine F1 Team for the 2025 season, though Jack Doohan will still start as Pierre Gasly’s teammate. This move intensifies the spotlight on Alpine’s evolving driver strategy and the mounting pressure on Doohan to perform.
Colapinto’s Breakthrough with Williams
Colapinto made waves in the latter half of the 2024 Formula 1 season after replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams. Despite limited experience, the young driver scored five points in nine starts, outperforming Sargeant’s tally from 1.5 seasons.
Highlights of Colapinto’s cameo included a points finish in only his second start at Azerbaijan and another at the United States Grand Prix, both at tracks he had never raced on before. However, a string of costly crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas tempered his initial momentum, leading to Williams confirming Carlos Sainz as Alex Albon’s 2025 teammate.
Alpine’s Move to Secure Colapinto
Alpine, seeking to bolster its long-term driver pool, intensified negotiations with Colapinto’s management. While Red Bull explored the possibility of signing him, the French team emerged as the frontrunner, likely due to its need for a reserve driver with F1 experience and its interest in diversifying its future options.
Reports suggest Colapinto’s role at Alpine will initially focus on being a reserve driver, though his presence creates a dynamic situation for Alpine’s 2025 plans.
Pressure on Jack Doohan
While Jack Doohan will start the season alongside Gasly, speculation swirls about a performance-based clause in his contract. This clause could allow Alpine to replace Doohan mid-season if he fails to meet specific benchmarks, with Colapinto waiting in the wings.
Doohan, who debuted prematurely in Abu Dhabi 2024 after Esteban Ocon’s early departure, has shown flashes of potential. However, Alpine’s expectations are high, particularly with Flavio Briatore, known for his no-nonsense approach, guiding team decisions. Briatore’s willingness to make swift changes adds an extra layer of tension.
Commercial Appeal of Colapinto
Colapinto’s rise has drawn significant commercial interest, particularly from South America, eager for its next F1 star. His presence at Alpine could bring financial and fanbase advantages, further raising the stakes for Doohan.
What’s Next?
For Doohan, the equation is simple: perform or face the possibility of replacement. Alpine’s aggressive strategy underscores the high-stakes nature of its driver decisions, aiming to secure a competitive edge both on-track and commercially.
Meanwhile, for Colapinto, joining Alpine—even as a reserve—keeps him in the F1 conversation and positions him for a future race seat. With his proven adaptability and raw talent, it’s clear he’ll remain a key figure in the team’s long-term strategy.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Alpine’s driver lineup dynamics. Will Doohan rise to the challenge, or will Colapinto seize his moment once again? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Alpine’s bold moves are set to make waves in Formula 1.
