Jack Doohan’s Formula 1 debut for 2025 is reportedly in doubt after new rumors have emerged that Alpine, alongside Red Bull, are now looking for Williams rookie Franco Colapinto’s services for a full-time seat next season.
Doohan had been expected to secure a race seat with Alpine after being named their reserve driver for 2024, with the assumption that he would partner Pierre Gasly in 2025.
“I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with Alpine F1 Team. I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management," the Australian said in August when the move was officially announced.
The Colapinto - Doohan saga
However, speculation now indicates that Doohan may lose out to Colapinto, who has impressed since stepping in for Logan Sargeant at the Italian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Argentine has taken the fight to his teammate, Alex Albon, scoring five points in just six starts—far surpassing the one point Sargeant managed over 36 races. Despite joining the grid late, Colapinto's performance caught the attention of rival teams, with Red Bull reportedly considering him for a seat at VCARB if they decide to drop Sergio Perez and promote Liam Lawson to their senior team alongside Max Verstappen.
But Alpine is now seen as a surprise contender, with Flavio Briatore, the team’s executive advisor, reportedly keen to bring Colapinto on board alongside Gasly.
"It seems that Flavio Briatore has changed his mind and wants to steal from the competition the Argentine Franco Colapinto, 21, the revelation of this part of the season. If the operation materialises, it would mean the end of the dreams of Doohan Jr., who has long been in the role of reserve of the French team," ," Gazzetta dello Sport reported.
Should either Alpine or Red Bull succeed in prying Colapinto away from Williams, it will come at a steep price, with reports indicating that the British team has set a €20 million asking price for their promising young driver.
For Doohan, who has been working tirelessly as Alpine's reserve driver and has enjoyed success in Formula 2 with six race wins, Colapinto's emergence presents a tough blow to his Formula 1 ambitions.
"If Briatore is to lure Colapinto away from Williams and into his driver line-up for 2025, it will be a brutal end to Doohan’s F1 dreams," said one report.
