Doohan’s end-of-season hopes of Alpine F1 return implode

Jack Doohan’s hopes of returning to a full-time race seat with Alpine before the end of the 2025 season have reportedly all but vanished.

After being replaced mid-season by Franco Colapinto, the 22-year-old Australian was initially given hope of reclaiming his spot for the final three rounds – contingent on both Colapinto’s performance and securing financial support according to a report from The Race.

Doohan made his F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi finale, but a limited preparation period and intense scrutiny defined his first six 2025 races.

He was replaced in May at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix by Colapinto, who joined Alpine from Williams on a multi-year test and reserve deal signed the previous December.

While Alpine framed the switch as an “evaluation” of Colapinto, Doohan was led to believe that there could be a rotation back into the car if Colapinto struggled.

Despite Colapinto encountering difficulties – including multiple poor finishes and several crashes – Alpine has apparently opted not to reinstate Doohan.

Money Talks, Doohan walks

A key factor cementing Colapinto’s tenure is financial support. Doohan’s team reportedly secured the funding needed to satisfy Alpine, but Colapinto’s sponsorship from Mercado Libre, which was prominently displayed on the car in Austin and which extends into the Mexico and Brazil races, gives the Argentine driver a clear advantage.

Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore is satisfied with Colapinto’s development, according to The Race, and the backing ensures he will finish the season in the car.

Doohan remains Alpine’s reserve driver, with a seat only possible if either Colapinto or Pierre Gasly are forced to miss a Grand Prix.

However, he has also been largely sidelined from Alpine’s track and simulator programmes, limiting opportunities to make a case for himself based on performance rather than hope.

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With Alpine’s 2026 plans still undecided, Doohan is exploring other options, including conversations with Cadillac, Williams, Haas, and Sauber.

While a test or reserve role may be the likeliest path for next year for the Aussie, Colapinto’s combination of experience, funding, and time in the car positions him as Alpine’s long-term candidate – leaving Doohan with an uphill climb to return to the grid.

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