Jack Doohan is trying to go about his business at Alpine. But more so than any other driver, he’s at the centre of rampant speculation.
Doohan drove the A525 in the morning before handing over to teammate Pierre Gasly. His time of a 1:31.8 put him seventh in the standings, and he also completed a solid 68 laps.
The Australian must stay focused as his home race creeps closer. There is talk that Franco Colapinto, Alpine’s new reserve driver, is ready to replace him at a moment’s notice.
Doohan has already made his debut, having replaced Esteban Ocon for the 2024 finale in Abu Dhabi. But that was a hastily-organised deal, so the Grand Prix in Melbourne will be a more representative test after months of preparation.
There is talk that Doohan has only signed a six-race contract, and he may only have five remaining. Alpine will then have to decide whether to retain their line-up or promote Colapinto.
Many feel that the 22-year-old is being treated unfairly because a driver is normally given at least half a season before they face such questions. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft was the latest to criticise Alpine’s handling of the situation.
David Croft urges Flavio Briatore to publicly back Jack Doohan at Alpine
Speaking during the first hour of pre-season testing, Croft questioned Alpine’s media strategy. He feels executive advisor Flavio Briatore and team principal Oliver Oakes are allowing the uncertainty to persist.
Croft sympathises with Doohan and feels that Colapinto should have to ‘wait his turn’. Five races isn’t enough to properly assess a driver, he says.
If he were Renault CEO Luca de Meo, he’d instruct Briatore or Oakes to publicly express faith in Doohan. But they’ve stopped short of doing that up to this point.
Croft said: “Flavio Briatore or Oliver Oakes need to come out and say ‘Jack’s our man for the year’. Do that, all the speculation stops.
“Let’s see. I do feel very sorry for Jack that before he really gets going, his seat’s already under threat.
“You’ve got to wait your turn if someone’s got a contract, and let them prove they can do it or not do it. That’s not five races – you need more.”
How Jack Doohan really feels when asked about Franco Colapinto
As it stands, the expectation is that Colapinto will replace Doohan at the Miami Grand Prix. That’s the sixth round of the 2025 season.
Nothing is certain in F1 – this very saga proves that point – and the situation could still change. Doohan is motivated by the questions about Colapinto, and perhaps he could force the team’s hand by impressing in the early rounds.
Colapinto has already carried out a private test for Alpine and will be working on the simulator. He must compare favourably to the senior drivers.
But Alpine have already signed a deal with Mercardo Libre, Colapinto’s sponsors, which suggests a decision has already been made – barring a dramatic turnaround. Briatore may simply fulfil his obligations to Doohan before triggering the lucrative switch.
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