After the latest flashpoint between their drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, in Monaco, Alpine decided to let the latter go. Ocon was replaced by Alpine’s reserve driver and Academy graduate Jack Doohan for the 2025 season.
However, the arrival of Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver could short-live Doohan’s F1 career. The Argentine arrives in Enstone after a mixed set of results in nine races at Williams. He did show flashes of brilliance in his short cameo and is looking to get on the grid in as little time as possible.
Jack Doohan’s rumored performance clause
It is rumoured Jack Doohan has a performance clause in his contract. Doohan must meet specific criteria for the Aussie to remain in Alpine’s second seat. According to Argentine outlet Ole, Doohan’s contract only guarantees him a race seat for the first six races of 2025.
The speculation means Doohan could be turfed out when the European leg begins in Imola. This would leave Franco Colapinto in prime position to partner with Pierre Gasly. Flavio Briatore is a big presence in Alpine and is not shy from making difficult decisions. This means Doohan’s F1 career is seeing the rookie already under immense pressure.
BREAKING: Alpine reaches agreement with Williams to secure services of Franco Colapinto on multi-year deal 🤝 pic.twitter.com/BRqa1q5QaC
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) January 9, 2025
Colapinto’s arrival is a blow for other Alpine Academy drivers as their path to the F1 team is now blocked by the Argetine’s arrival. It is also damaging for the team’s other reserve drivers, Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa as they will drop behind Colapinto in the pecking order.
How do Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto’s F1 performances compare?
Both Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto have raced in F1. Colapinto came out of the blocks quickly, scoring five points in his first four races. However, following Austin, the 21-year-old struggled and had incidents in every race, including high-profile crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas.
RED FLAG! 🚩
Franco Colapinto crashes into the barriers and the drivers head back into the pits 💥 pic.twitter.com/6FXR5Lr9ed
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 3, 2024
Doohan replaced Ocon for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. The Australian qualified in last place and finished the race in fifteenth. However, not much was expected of him. All other drivers had good knowledge of the cars and had races under their belts. Doohan had only driven the A524 in two FP1 sessions.
This problem for Doohan is when other rookies like Colapinto and Liam Lawson jumped in their cars with no F1 racing experience, they hit the ground running. Colapinto finished an impressive twelfth place in Monza. Despite qualifying last, Lawson finished thirteenth but only 8 seconds off points.
However, Doohan has a much more impressive junior record than Colapinto. He challenged for the titles in both F3 and F2. Colapinto could only manage a best of fourth in the standings in F3 and was having an average season in F2, securing only one victory in 20 races.
Will Jack Doohan last beyond his rumoured six-race probation period? Leave it in the comments below.
