Oakes: Colapinto gives Alpine options ‘down the line’

Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes says signing Franco Colapinto as the team’s reserve driver for 2025 gives the French outfit options down the line, and won't deny Jack Doohan a “fair chance” to prove his worth.

Doohan was announced as Esteban Ocon's replacement for the 2025 season, with the Australian making his F1 debut at the sport’s season finale last month in Abu Dhabi.

However, Alpine’s subsequent signing of Colapinto, who impressed during his brief stint with Williams in 2024, has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about Doohan's long-term future with the team.

But Oakes has dismissed such concerns, insisting that adding Colapinto to Alpine’s roster of drivers is about strengthening the Enstone squad’s depth for the future rather than undermining Doohan.

Doohan Will Get His Fair Crack

Speaking on the James Allen on F1 podcast, Oakes defended the 22-year-old Aussie amid criticism from some corners of the F1 community.

"It's been a little bit harsh on Jack, some of the stuff that was written by the keyboard warriors there, and he's getting his fair crack at it next year," Oakes insisted.

"And I think the intention there isn't to put [pressure] on his shoulders. It's genuinely to give the team options further down the line. And for me F1 is fine margins.

“There's a load of people who are depending on a driver to deliver each weekend, and we need to make sure we've got the best drivers in the race car, not just now, but also in the future."

Colapinto’s Appeal and Alpine’s Long-Term Strategy

Colapinto, who scored points in two of his first four races with Williams but struggled with consistency and crashes late in the season, received praise from Oakes who highlighted the young gun's raw talent.

"I think Franco made a great first impression with Williams. I think it was clear to see that he probably tried a bit too hard at the end there," Oakes explained.

"How much of that was the situation he was in, where he didn’t have a seat confirmed and was trying to over-impress, and how much of that was a compromise on parts on the car, that’s hard to calculate. But I think the crux is he made a strong impression with the speed he showed."

For Oakes, Colapinto’s signing represents part of a broader strategy to ensure Alpine remains competitive in the years to come:

"For us as a team, it’s great to have that roster of two young drivers in Paul [Aron] and Franco there waiting in the wings, because it’s not just about 2025.

“2026, 2027 is around the corner, and it’s hard in F1 to plan what’s going to happen and what drivers you’re going to have to go in the car.

"For us, it just keeps everyone honest in terms of how they’re performing and gives us options."

Balancing Present and Future

While Alpine’s moves to bolster its driver lineup highlight the team’s long-term ambitions, Oakes has made it clear that Doohan’s development will remain the priority for the 2025 season.

The Australian rookie will be keen to prove his worth and cement his place in a team that is carefully planning for success in both the near and distant future.

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