Five months ago, Franco Colapinto took the motorsport world by storm with a stellar rookie performance for Williams. The Argentinian then secured an unexpected long-term deal with Alpine as a reserve driver for 2025 and beyond, potentially jeopardising the future of Jack Doohan in Formula 1.
Therefore, ahead of the grand F1 75 launch event in London, Doohan finally broke his silence about the looming uncertainty over his Alpine seat for 2025. Amidst the echoing contract rumours, the Australian insisted that he doesn’t feel threatened by Colapinto’s move and is instead focused on “embracing” his forthcoming journey in Formula 1.
Jack Doohan remains unfazed by latest Colapinto move
During the press conference, Doohan was asked if he ever felt “undermined” by Colapinto since his arrival at Alpine. “I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract. But, no, I don’t. Maybe, I should I don’t know. I don’t really understand that as a question,” Doohan responded according to SkySports.
Jack Doohan responds to whether Franco Colapinto’s presence at Alpine is adding more pressure 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/vmvlJydL5m
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) February 18, 2025
“I’ve been told that he’s a reserve driver and I think, regardless, you know, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world and, I know when I was a go-karter, in Formula 3, Formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.”
“So, I don’t think necessarily, you know, if it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cutthroat sport,” the Australian rookie concluded, acknowledging such uncertainties are part of competing in Formula 1.
When does Doohan’s contract with Alpine expire?
There seems to be a mystery surrounding Doohan’s partnership with Alpine. After patiently waiting on the sidelines for years, Doohan was finally rewarded with a golden opportunity at Alpine – being named as Esteban Ocon’s replacement for the 2025 F1 season.
However, while Doohan’s arrival seems imminent, the duration of his contract has sparked questions, especially since Alpine also struck a deal with Williams for Colapinto. Several reports suggest that Doohan’s contract may be limited to four to six races after which Alpine could hand the seat to Colapinto.
However, in reality, Doohan has one crucial lifeline to prove his worth – defeat his teammate, Pierre Gasly. Therefore, can Doohan do the unthinkable and secure his Alpine seat beyond 2025? Or, will the relentless pressure of Formula 1 prove too much for the Australian? Only time will tell.
