The 2025 Formula 1 season hasn’t even begun, but Jack Doohan’s seat at Alpine is already under scrutiny. The Australian rookie faces a daunting challenge: proving himself worthy of his F1 spot while the shadow of Franco Colapinto looms large. With Colapinto poised as Alpine’s reserve driver—and boasting a strong South American sponsor network—the stakes couldn’t be higher for Doohan.
The Pressure Cooker: Doohan’s Precarious Position
Doohan’s promotion to Alpine’s F1 seat was supposed to mark the culmination of years of effort. Instead, it feels like a trial by fire. As Alpine undergoes a strategic downsizing and refocuses its priorities, the team’s readiness to pivot to Colapinto signals that Doohan’s position isn’t secure.
It’s a brutal reality, but Formula 1 isn’t a playground for sentimentality. Teams demand results, and Alpine’s history of chaos means they’re likely to act swiftly if they sense Doohan isn’t delivering. The reserve role for Colapinto is more than a backup plan—it’s a loaded gun aimed squarely at Doohan’s fortunes.
Why Colapinto’s Star is Rising
Colapinto, who impressed during his brief stint with Williams in 2024, has everything Alpine needs: speed, consistency, and a strong commercial backing. The Argentinian’s ability to secure high-profile sponsors makes him an asset Alpine can’t afford to ignore, especially as the team scales down its operations to a leaner, more efficient structure.
His potential move to Alpine is as much about business as it is about talent. As Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon solidify Williams’ lineup, Colapinto’s F1 prospects there seemed limited. At Alpine, however, he not only gains a realistic shot at a race seat but also joins a team capable of producing a faster car. It’s a calculated move that could pay dividends.
Doohan’s Path to Survival
Doohan isn’t out of the fight—far from it. As the incumbent, he has the ultimate weapon: control over his fate. By delivering consistent performances in the cockpit, he can quash any doubts about his ability. It’s a high-pressure situation, but one that separates the great from the merely good in Formula 1.
To succeed, Doohan must leverage every advantage he has—his familiarity with the team, thousands of kilometers in testing, and his debut at Abu Dhabi in 2024. While Colapinto waits in the wings, Doohan’s job is to make himself indispensable. Anything less, and the door to Colapinto’s promotion swings wide open.
The Alpine Conundrum: Succession Planning or Ruthlessness?
Alpine’s management has made it clear that results trump loyalty. By signing Colapinto, they’re not just hedging their bets—they’re signaling a new era of pragmatism. In a sport where Red Bull’s ruthless driver swaps have often paid dividends, Alpine’s strategy reflects a willingness to adapt and plan for the future.
The team has struggled with its public perception as a chaotic operation, and this dual-driver strategy offers a glimpse of forward-thinking leadership. If Doohan falters, Alpine will be ready, showcasing a readiness to capitalize on Colapinto’s marketability and potential.
The Verdict: High Stakes for 2025
For Doohan, the opening races of 2025 are critical. The pressure is immense, but that’s the nature of elite motorsport. As history has shown, F1 is a business where performance dictates longevity. Whether Doohan thrives under this scrutiny or crumbles will define his career.
Meanwhile, Colapinto waits in the wings, ready to step into the spotlight. His rise underscores the ever-present nature of competition in F1, where one driver’s misstep is another’s golden opportunity. As Alpine navigates its turbulent transformation, the team’s ability to manage this delicate balancing act will determine its future success.