Jack Doohan’s Formula 1 journey with Alpine might not even survive the first quarter of the 2025 season. The Australian rookie, brought in to replace Esteban Ocon, faces the harsh reality of a five-race probationary period. According to reports, Alpine’s top brass, led by the ever-controversial Flavio Briatore, are already eyeing his potential replacement: the rising star Franco Colapinto.
Doohan’s Rocky Start: A Short Leash in 2025?
Doohan was signed in 2024 as part of Alpine’s ambitious plans to reinvigorate their driver lineup alongside Pierre Gasly. But just months into his new role, questions about his future are swirling. Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that Briatore is less than convinced about Doohan’s ability to deliver the results needed to lift Alpine up the Constructors’ standings.
The pressure on Doohan is amplified by a probation clause in his contract, giving Alpine the freedom to cut ties after just five races if his performance doesn’t meet expectations. In the cutthroat world of Formula 1, this makes every lap crucial for the 21-year-old rookie.
Colapinto: Alpine’s Ace in the Wings
The man waiting in the shadows is Franco Colapinto, the Argentine sensation who lit up the grid in 2024 with a stunning late-season stint at Williams. Colapinto scored points in two of six appearances, holding his own against seasoned teammate Alex Albon and earning admiration for his adaptability and composure under pressure.
His impressive performances have turned heads across the paddock, with Alpine and even Red Bull reportedly vying for his services. For Briatore, who has a long history of spotting talent—most famously Michael Schumacher—Colapinto represents a potential game-changer for the team.
Gasly’s Shadow and Briatore’s Ruthlessness
Doohan’s task isn’t made any easier by the presence of Pierre Gasly, who enters 2025 with momentum after securing a podium in Brazil’s torrential rain at the end of the 2024 season. Facing such a formidable teammate in a high-pressure situation could either accelerate Doohan’s development—or seal his fate.
And then there’s Briatore. The man who famously masterminded Schumacher’s rise and Fernando Alonso’s titles is known for his ruthless decision-making. If Doohan falters, Briatore won’t hesitate to shake up the lineup in pursuit of Alpine’s goals.
Alpine’s High-Stakes Gamble
Alpine’s willingness to gamble with its driver lineup underscores the immense pressure the team faces to climb the Constructors’ standings. After an underwhelming 2024 campaign, the French outfit is desperate to find the right formula to challenge the sport’s top teams.
For Doohan, it’s a trial by fire. The opening rounds in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Australia, China, and Azerbaijan could define his career. Any missteps could see him out of the seat before the F1 circus reaches Europe, paving the way for Colapinto’s return.
The Verdict: Make or Break for Doohan
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Alpine. Will Doohan rise to the occasion and prove the doubters wrong, or will Colapinto seize his chance to continue his meteoric rise? One thing is certain: in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, the margin for error is razor-thin.
