Jack Doohan's F1 debut under threat as rookie rival emerges for Alpine seat
Australian Jack Doohan's Formula 1 debut is under threat with reports Alpine is pursuing a different rookie driver.
Doohan was announced as Alpine F1 Team's newest driver in August but it has been rumoured that the squad is now pursuing Williams rookie Franco Colapinto for a full-time drive for the 2025 season.
The 21-year-old Colapinto has emerged as a key piece in the driver market puzzle after impressing in his six grand prix appearances since replacing former driver Logan Sargeant.
READ MORE: Manly roll the dice on veteran despite injury queries
READ MORE: 'I was burning': Suaalii dishes on unique journey
READ MORE: 'Different direction' emerges as Via Sistina crunched
Jack Doohan in the Alpine garage at the Canadian Grand Prix. Formula 1 via Getty Images
Despite his limited experience, Colapinto has rivalled teammate Alex Albon during his time on the grid — scoring five championship points compared to Albon's eight in that six-race period.
But while his rookie performances have been exciting, Colapinto's stint with Williams was always planned to cease at the season's end with four-time race winner Carlos Sainz acquiring the seat on a multi-year deal and Albon also committed to the team long-term.
Because of this, the paddock is following Colapinto's next move closely, especially after team principal James Vowles revealed he was negotiating with several teams about loaning the Argentine out to rivals or selling his contract outright.
These teams reportedly include Alpine.
Replacing the Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, Doohan is set to partner Pierre Gasly at the French constructor on a one-year contract.
However, in a silly season twist, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore is experiencing a change of heart and is now committed to chasing Colapinto — at Doohan's expense.
Jack Doohan driving the Alpine F1 A524 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada. Clive Rose via Getty Images
There is not much that separates Colapinto and Doohan performance-wise.
Doohan has more junior racing experience and is already embedded in the Enstone-based squad having been a member of the team's junior academy since 2022.
The sudden departure of fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri from the set-up ahead of the 2023 season also saw Doohan signed as the team's reserve and test driver. He has since gone on to complete many hours of private testing in previous-spec Alpine cars.
But Colapinto has one valuable thing that Dohan cruelly does not — experience racing in F1.
He also counts several big-money sponsors, and with F1's popularity exploding in Argentina off the back of his debut, there is scope for his profile to grow further as the country's sole driver on the grid.
Franco Colapinto talks with his race engineer on the grid ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Kym Illman via Getty Images
Alpine is reportedly open to taking Colapinto on loan which is understood to be Vowles' preference as opposed to releasing Colapinto's services completely.
Such a move would keep Colapinto tied to the team if Sainz or Albon were to lose faith during F1's next overhaul of its regulations which will come into effect for the 2026 season.
However, other teams are also said to be circling Colapinto, including Red Bull Racing who would be in a better financial position to acquire the contract than Alpine.
Red Bull also needs the option of Colapinto more with question marks over several of their drivers in their two-team line-up looking to the future.
The F1 circuit will next head to the streets of Las Vegas for the second running of the Las Vegas GP.
