Franco Colapinto failed to find a full-time route back into Formula 1 ahead of the 2025 season and opted to settle with Alpine as a reserve driver.
Colapinto will now get the chance to sit behind and support both Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan throughout the upcoming 24-race campaign as the French team bids to improve upon last season.
A fortunate sixth-place finish in the constructors’ championship came courtesy of a double-podium at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Alpine may have finished ninth otherwise.
This season, they’ll be handing the rookie Doohan a chance to prove himself ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations but laid pressure on him after signing Colapinto to the spot behind him as a reserve.
Colapinto admitted he got one Grand Prix completely wrong during his debut season after sustaining a heavy shunt at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
It’s part of the learning process though. Some Alpine insiders prefer one driver to replace Doohan over Colapinto if the move is necessary if the situation arises.
Franco Colapinto ‘lost’ offers from multiple F1 teams for 2025 before Alpine deal
Doohan has been told what to do to save his F1 seat after Colapinto’s arrival, with some believing that his seat could be under threat after just six races.
It would be harsh for a Formula 1 rookie to get such little time to prove himself, but the sport has such a brutal nature and the Aussie could be a victim of it.
READ MORE: Jack Doohan’s concerning six-word reaction after snapping at Franco Colapinto questions before F1 75 launch
Speaking about his 2024 season, Colapinto mentioned how he had offers from other teams that were lost before he came to a decision to sign for Alpine.
“The first four or five races went very well for me, I had very, very good results,” he said.
“There were many teams that were interested, and there were many constant calls to my managers and also to the people at Williams. There were many offers. Well then, obviously, a couple were lost, and it was reduced [his options].”
Who could Alpine replace Jack Doohan with in 2025?
Aside from Colapinto, there is one clear option that Alpine could call upon to replace Doohan with during 2025.
Junior driver Paul Aron impressed in Formula 2 last season and finished third in the drivers’ championship for Hitech.
The young Estonian is one of their reserve drivers too, but is more of a homegrown talent compared to Colapinto, who was signed from Williams.
READ MORE: Franco Colapinto’s ‘transcendent’ performance in Alpine test may concern Jack Doohan amid 2025 seat battle
Both drivers are 21 years old with plenty of upside, but any replacement would come down to who the team believes in more.
Doohan himself is only 22 and deserves at least the season to adjust to life at the highest level before a decision is made on his future.
