The 2025 F1 season is set to witness Jack Doohan’s full-season debut with Alpine, notwithstanding the looming pressure from Franco Colapinto, who is vying for a spot on the grid. In a whirlwind of pressure and high expectations, could Colapinto’s challenge be the hidden opportunity for Doohan to shine?
Doohan is stepping into the new season amid heightened anticipation, and not unlike his fellow rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, he’s feeling the weight of his position. Antonelli is stepping into the shoes of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, a daunting task in itself. Doohan, an Australian rookie who made his debut replacing Haas’ new driver Esteban Ocon at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, is likewise under the microscope.
The buzz, however, seems to be centering around Alpine’s reserve driver, Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver made a significant impression after stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams following the Dutch GP. Despite several costly crashes, his sheer speed relative to his teammate Alex Albon hinted at a promising future.
The confirmation of Carlos Sainz joining Albon at the Grove-based team left Colapinto in a reserve role. But his transition to a similar role at rival team Alpine has sparked speculation, with the rumor mill suggesting that he might replace Doohan sooner than later.
Not one to be rattled, Doohan countered these speculations with a show of confidence at the F1 75 Live event at the O2 Arena in London. He asserted that, regardless of the circumstances, being one of the 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world is an honor and a challenge he’s ready for. He expressed excitement at the prospect of pressure, viewing it as part and parcel of the sport.
While some may see Colapinto’s presence as a threat, it could also be the silver lining Doohan needs. His unyielding stance in the face of speculation demonstrates his resilience.
Furthermore, Doohan might be able to turn the situation to his advantage. Nico Hulkenberg and Nyck de Vries, for instance, made the most of their substitute roles, earning plaudits for their performances. Colapinto himself, knowing that Sainz had his seat secured, had nothing to lose and this arguably worked to his favor.
In the grand scheme of things, Doohan’s future lies in his hands. A strong start and a competitive performance against his teammate Pierre Gasly can solidify his position. Having had ample preparation over the winter, experience in junior categories, and experience as Alpine’s development driver, Doohan is more than equipped to seize this opportunity. The pre-season testing will further provide him an opportunity to acclimatize to the new term.
The stage is set for Doohan to prove his mettle. While the pressure is intense and the competition fierce, these could well be the elements that propel him to new heights in his Formula 1 journey.
