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Alpine’s ticking time bomb: Is Jack Doohan on borrowed time with Colapinto waiting in the wings?

Redação by Redação
January 25, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Alpine’s ticking time bomb: Is Jack Doohan on borrowed time with Colapinto waiting in the wings?

Oct 20, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan walks through the track entrance before the 2024 Formula One US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The pressure cooker at Alpine is set to explode, with Jack Doohan entering the 2025 Formula 1 season facing immense scrutiny. Despite public reassurances from team principal Oliver Oakes, the Australian driver’s seat alongside Pierre Gasly is anything but secure. Waiting in the shadows is Franco Colapinto, the 2024 Formula 2 standout and Flavio Briatore’s golden boy, who could swoop in if Doohan falters early in the campaign.


The Gasly-Doohan dynamic: A steep uphill climb

Pierre Gasly remains the undisputed leader of Alpine’s efforts. The Frenchman, buoyed by his heritage and proven track record, enjoys the full support of the team, making Doohan’s task even more daunting. As ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert bluntly put it:

“Gasly is a driver that is very comfortable in the team at the present time. There’s a lot of support for him in that team, obviously being a Frenchman. But now it’s up to Doohan. He’s got a massive amount of pressure on his shoulders because Franco Colapinto will be there in the back of the garage.”

For Doohan, the stakes couldn’t be higher. His debut campaign as a full-time driver for Alpine offers little room for error, especially with Colapinto already touted as the team’s future star. The pre-season tests in Bahrain next month could determine whether Alpine is genuinely committed to giving Doohan the opportunity to prove himself or if they’re hedging their bets on Colapinto.


Briatore’s shadow looms large

Adding fuel to the fire is Flavio Briatore, whose influence within Alpine remains significant. Known for his ruthless decision-making and ability to spot talent, Briatore has made no secret of his admiration for Colapinto. Herbert believes this dynamic only heightens the tension for Doohan:

“I know Flavio Briatore very well—Doohan will be out. He’ll be out as quick as he blinks. So, the pressure’s on his shoulders now for him to perform.”

Briatore’s history speaks for itself. From signing a young Michael Schumacher at Benetton to masterminding Fernando Alonso’s two world titles at Renault, the Italian has a proven eye for transformative talent. Colapinto, with his breakout F2 season, fits the mold of a driver Briatore would fast-track into Formula 1.


The psychological toll of uncertainty

Herbert also highlighted the psychological warfare that comes with having a rival waiting in the wings:

“He’ll be there on TV with him sort of over the shoulder of Briatore and wherever it may be. And that’s where all those little elements of doubt start to come into play. And doubt is something you definitely do not want.”

For Doohan, maintaining focus amid this looming threat will be as critical as his on-track performance. The presence of Colapinto in the garage, alongside Briatore’s watchful eye, could create an environment of relentless pressure that many young drivers struggle to endure.


Bahrain: The ultimate litmus test

The pre-season tests in Bahrain will provide the clearest signal of Alpine’s intentions. Will they use the three days to evaluate both Doohan and Colapinto equally, or will they stick to their word and let Doohan prepare without interference? The outcome could set the tone for the entire season.


Deliver or disappear

For Jack Doohan, the mission is clear but daunting: outperform Pierre Gasly and leave no room for doubt. Failure to do so could see him ousted before the season gathers steam. Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto, backed by Briatore’s unwavering support, waits patiently for his opportunity to shine.

As the Australian Grand Prix draws closer, the tension within Alpine builds. Will Doohan rise to the occasion, or will Briatore’s protégé Colapinto take the stage? The clock is ticking, and for Doohan, every lap counts.

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