Formula 1 is a high-stakes game, and Alpine’s driver lineup in 2025 is proving just how cutthroat the sport can be. After Jack Doohan was promoted from Alpine’s reserve to a full-time race seat in place of Esteban Ocon—who made an unexpected exit—the young Australian thought he’d have some time to settle in. However, just as quickly as the ink dried on his contract, Alpine announced Franco Colapinto, a promising talent from Formula 2, as their latest reserve driver. This move sent shockwaves through the paddock, raising questions about Doohan’s place in the team and what this meant for his future prospects.
While some pundits suggested that the introduction of Colapinto was a calculated move to put pressure on the rookie driver, Alpine’s team principal, Oakes, has rejected this notion, assuring fans and critics alike that Doohan will be given a fair chance to prove himself in 2025.
Speaking on James Allen’s F1 podcast, Oakes said: “It’s been a little bit harsh on Jack, some of the stuff that was written by the keyboard warriors there. He’s getting his fair crack at it next year, and the intention is not to put pressure on him but to give the team more options down the line.”
Oakes emphasized the cutthroat nature of F1: “F1 is fine margins. There’s a load of people depending on a driver to deliver each weekend, and we need to make sure we’ve got the best drivers in the car—not just now, but also in the future.”
Indeed, the addition of Colapinto, along with Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa as other reserve drivers, could be seen as a strategic move by Alpine to maintain flexibility as they navigate the unpredictable future of F1. The reality is, F1 is a long-term game, and securing top-tier drivers for the years ahead—2026, 2027, and beyond—is just as important as the present season.
Colapinto, who had an impressive midseason stint with Williams in 2024, was drafted in as a replacement for the struggling Logan Sargeant. Despite a series of late-season mistakes, the Argentine’s raw speed didn’t go unnoticed, and even Red Bull was reportedly keeping an eye on him. “I think Franco made a great first impression with Williams,” said Oakes. “He probably tried a bit too hard at the end there, but the speed he showed was undeniable.”
The addition of Colapinto to Alpine’s roster is not just a move for the current season but a calculated investment in the future. Oakes stressed that having talented drivers like Colapinto and Aron waiting in the wings helps keep the entire team honest and ensures there are options if any surprises arise. It’s not just about 2025; Alpine is already thinking several years ahead in a sport where driver contracts are fragile, and the competition is ruthless.
For Jack Doohan, the pressure to perform is undoubtedly mounting. The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked his long-awaited debut, as Ocon’s early exit unexpectedly opened the door for the Australian to take his place. But with Colapinto now on the scene, it’s clear that Alpine is not willing to rest on their laurels. They are looking ahead, and their evaluation of Doohan, Colapinto, and Aron will shape the team’s driver strategy for seasons to come.
Doohan’s rookie season in F1 will be a defining one. Despite the pressure, he has the full backing of Alpine’s leadership, but in a sport as volatile as F1, anything can happen. Whether he can live up to the hype and hold his ground against the growing competition remains to be seen, but Alpine has made it clear—they are committed to building a competitive, future-proof team that can challenge for championships in the years ahead.
