Australian Jack Doohan faces a pivotal year in his Formula 1 career as he steps into a full-time seat at Alpine for the 2025 season. Teaming up with Pierre Gasly, Doohan must prove he has what it takes to thrive under the pressure of a rebuilding Alpine squad and under the watchful eyes of new team leaders Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes.
Alpine’s Upheaval and Resurgence
The 2024 season was one of chaos and eventual resurgence for Alpine. Following a disastrous start that saw the team languishing in ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship, sweeping leadership changes were implemented. Flavio Briatore returned as Executive Advisor, and Oliver Oakes took over as Team Principal. The team also announced a groundbreaking move to become a Mercedes customer outfit from 2026, signaling a strategic shift for the Anglo-French squad.
Alpine’s fortunes turned dramatically in the final rounds of 2024, with a double podium in Brazil and a sixth-place finish in the Constructors’ standings—buoyed by significant upgrades introduced at the United States Grand Prix.
Pressure on Doohan to Deliver
Doohan’s F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was quiet, with little to show for his first outing. The Australian must now hit the ground running in 2025, as his seat is far from secure. Alpine’s reserve driver, Franco Colapinto, is waiting in the wings, increasing the stakes for Doohan to perform.
In a media appearance, Doohan played down the pressure, stating that Briatore’s expectations were focused on building a foundation:
“He wants me to finish the race and learn as much as possible ahead of next year. We have a long season next year, which will be important for our future.”
Gasly: Alpine’s Veteran Leader
Gasly, entering his third season with Alpine, is tasked with maintaining the momentum from a strong finish to 2024. After struggling alongside Esteban Ocon for much of the year, Gasly flourished once the team introduced upgrades, finishing 10th in the Drivers’ Championship. His performances were instrumental in Alpine’s late-season resurgence, and replicating that form consistently across the expanded 2025 calendar will be critical.
Reflecting on the team’s turnaround, Gasly expressed optimism about 2025:
“The understanding, spotting where [are] the limitations of the car, finding solutions to it… I definitely believe the car is going to be in a much better place to start with.”
Alpine’s 2025 Goals
Alpine’s leadership has set ambitious targets for the 2025 season. With a more competitive car, the team aims to challenge the midfield pack and move closer to the top teams. For Doohan, this means contributing valuable points and avoiding rookie mistakes. For Gasly, consistency and leadership will be vital to elevate the team’s overall performance.
Can Doohan Keep His Seat?
Alpine’s new management, led by the no-nonsense Briatore, has little patience for underperformance. Doohan must quickly adapt to the demands of F1 and demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level, especially with the looming presence of Colapinto. Gasly’s experience and proven skill make him the clear team leader, but for Doohan, 2025 will be a make-or-break season.
With Alpine emerging from a tumultuous 2024 stronger and more determined, the pressure is on for both drivers to ensure the team’s progress continues into 2025. For Doohan, the stakes couldn’t be higher—his future in F1 depends on it.
