Jack Doohan is on the brink of his first season in Formula 1. Over the past few years, he served as a reserve driver for Alpine, but he has now secured a full-time racing seat alongside Pierre Gasly. In the aftermath of the past season, the French team also signed Williams’ talent Franco Colapinto. Rumor has it that the Argentine is eyeing Doohan’s seat, but the latter assures that he is not on the chopping block.
During a press event in London, Jack Doohan was asked about his position within the team. Some experts whisper that the Australian only has a few races to prove himself. Advisor Flavio Briatore is said to secretly prefer Franco Colapinto, who currently serves as a reserve for Alpine. Colapinto has already raced nine Grand Prix with Williams and finished in the points twice.
‘I was also a reserve driver’
Does Jack Doohan feel the pressure from his Argentine colleague? “No, I’ve heard he’s a reserve driver,” Doohan stated firmly. “Regardless, I am one of the twenty Formula 1 drivers. Ever since my time in karting, Formula 3, and Formula 2, I would sacrifice everything to reach this sport. The more I realize that you’re always under pressure, whether it comes from inside or outside the team. This is such a relentless sport. Whatever the pressure is, I look forward to enjoying it, embracing it, and simply enjoying my season.”
Another journalist went a step further and asked if Alpine was undermining its position by bringing in Colapinto. “Is that a question?” Doohan snapped. “Last year, I was also a reserve driver. With a long-term contract. So no, I don’t think so. I don’t really understand the question, but I assume not.” In a previous conversation, Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes emphasized that Jack Doohan would get a ‘fair chance’ to prove himself. Pierre Gasly also defended his new teammate. “Jack (Doohan) is a great person and a great driver,” he assured. “As a rookie, it’s never easy to get into Formula 1, so let’s not make it any more complicated.”
In 2025, Argentine Franco Colapinto will serve as a reserve (Alpine).
Check out the Formula 1 calendar for 2025 here.
