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Franco Colapinto Looms as Alpine’s Ace in the Hole: Is Doohan’s Seat Already in Jeopardy?

David Castro by David Castro
January 13, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Franco Colapinto Focuses on Performance with Red Bull Speculation Following High Praise from Lewis Hamilton

Formula One F1 - Sao Paulo Grand Prix - Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo, Brazil - October 31, 2024 Williams' Franco Colapinto during the press conference REUTERS/Carla Carniel

Franco Colapinto’s rapid rise through the Formula 1 ranks has placed him in a prime position to step into a race seat with Alpine, possibly as early as 2025. The Argentine driver, who made waves during his nine-race stint with Williams in 2024, now stands poised to capitalize on his new multi-year deal with Alpine as their reserve driver. With Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore openly scrutinizing Jack Doohan’s performance, the clock is already ticking for the Australian rookie to prove his worth.


Colapinto’s Rise: From Williams Rookie to Alpine Contender

After an impressive cameo at Williams, where Colapinto stepped up from Formula 2 to replace Logan Sargeant mid-season, the young driver made an immediate impact. Scoring points in only his second race and defending against seasoned competitors like Sergio Perez, Colapinto quickly drew attention from rival teams, including Red Bull and Alpine.

However, Red Bull’s interest cooled after a series of incidents late in the season, clearing the path for Alpine to swoop in. Briatore, renowned for his ruthless decision-making, wasted no time securing Colapinto’s services.

“Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now,” Briatore stated. “His performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver.”


Doohan’s Rocky Start at Alpine

Doohan, who earned his promotion to Alpine after solid performances in Formula 2, faces immense pressure heading into the 2025 season. His F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was underwhelming—qualifying last and finishing second-to-last while teammate Pierre Gasly secured a respectable seventh place.

Briatore has made it clear that Doohan’s seat is far from secure, emphasizing his willingness to make mid-season changes if performance standards aren’t met.

“If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress or bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1,” Briatore said.

This no-nonsense approach leaves Doohan in a precarious position, especially given Colapinto’s readiness to step in.


Colapinto’s Strategic Signing: A Safety Net for Alpine

Alpine’s decision to invest heavily in Colapinto underscores their long-term vision. The team wouldn’t have paid a significant sum to Williams without serious plans to integrate the Argentine into their future. With Briatore’s track record of bold moves, Colapinto’s arrival could be more than a backup plan—it might signal a reshuffling of Alpine’s driver lineup mid-season.

Even Williams boss James Vowles acknowledged Colapinto’s potential to secure a race seat at Alpine sooner rather than later.

“Over nine memorable races with Williams, he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1,” Vowles said. “This agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.”


The Clock is Ticking for Doohan

Doohan’s promotion to Alpine was partly a response to the team’s need to recover from the Oscar Piastri debacle in 2022, where they lost a generational talent to McLaren. However, with Colapinto now in their arsenal, Alpine has the flexibility to make swift changes if Doohan doesn’t deliver.

The Australian rookie faces a daunting task in 2025: not only must he perform against the experienced Gasly, but he must also fend off the looming presence of Colapinto, who has already proven his mettle on the grid.


Alpine’s High-Stakes 2025 Season

As Alpine builds momentum following a strong 2024 season featuring double podiums and consistent points, the stakes for 2025 are higher than ever. Briatore’s ruthless focus on results ensures that only the best performers will remain in the cockpit.

For Colapinto, the opportunity is clear: continue to impress in his reserve role and be ready to seize any opening. For Doohan, the message is equally direct: deliver results or risk being replaced.

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