Jack Doohan’s F1 Future Hangs in the Balance: A Dramatic Alpine Showdown!
In a world where speed meets uncertainty, Jack Doohan clings to a glimmer of hope for an Alpine race seat in the high-octane F1 2026 season. Despite the shadows cast by executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who has sensationally declared a fierce competition between rising talent Franco Colapinto and fellow reserve driver Paul Aron, the Australian’s ambitions are not entirely extinguished.
After a shaky debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Doohan’s initial stint alongside Pierre Gasly in the 2025 season took a nosedive following a dismal performance in six races that left him without a single point. The young driver was swiftly replaced by Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix, a move that sent shockwaves through the paddock. Colapinto, who shone with Williams in the latter part of the previous season, has also struggled to score points with the A525 car, echoing Doohan’s earlier plight.
Briatore’s bold statements during an interview just before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix have raised eyebrows. He insinuated that Alpine is wrestling with a crucial decision between Colapinto and Aron, with no consideration of external options. However, insiders have revealed a tantalizing possibility: Doohan still has a slim chance of clawing back into contention for a race seat, despite Briatore’s omission of his name from the conversation. The intrigue deepens as Doohan, managed by Briatore, has maintained a visible presence in the paddock, attending races as Alpine’s ‘first-choice reserve driver’—a role that keeps his dreams alive.
“I still have long-term goals with the team,” Doohan asserted, pledging to give his all in any capacity to secure his future with Alpine. His determination is palpable, as he remains steadfast in his quest for success, even if currently relegated to the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Aron, the 21-year-old Estonian, has been making his own waves within the team. With multiple FP1 appearances under his belt, he has been preparing for a potential leap into F1. His recent outing in Monza saw him finishing last in practice, trailing Gasly by half a second—a clear reminder of the fierce competition he faces.
In a surprising twist, Doohan was once seen as a contender for a coveted role with the incoming Cadillac F1 team for 2026. His legendary father, Mick Doohan, reportedly engaged in discussions with Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Yet, with Cadillac’s recent signings of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, Doohan’s prospects with the American team appear dim, leaving fans speculating about his fate.
With a tumultuous season unfolding and a battle for supremacy within Alpine intensifying, Jack Doohan’s future remains a nail-biting narrative. Will he reclaim his place on the grid, or will he fade into the backdrop of F1 history? The clock is ticking, and the race for a future in Formula 1 is far from over!
