Why Alpine's signing of Franco Colapinto is bad news for Jack Doohan

French F1 squad Alpine have signed Argentinian super sub Franco Colapinto as its reserve driver for 2025 and beyond.

But his signing is undoubtedly bad news for Aussie Jack Doohan, who hasn't even started his rookie F1 campaign.

Despite starring in his nine races with Williams as a replacement for the chronically under-performing Logan Sargeant, Colapinto failed to land a full-time spot on the grid for 2025.

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In a statement, Alpine said it had "entered into an agreement" with Williams to secure Colapinto on a multi-year deal as reserve driver.

"We believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco's best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026," Williams team principal James Vowles said.

What that likely means is the team has loaned him to the French outfit on the condition he end up in a race seat sooner rather than later, and it could be at Doohan's expense.

In an interview with Le Parisien, team boss Flavio Briatore, one of the most cut-throat operators in the F1 paddock didn't exactly shy away from suggestions Doohan could be booted if he doesn't immediately perform.

"The only thing we can be sure of is death," he said when asked if Doohan was under pressure to keep his seat.

"We'll start the year with Pierre (Gasly) and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we'll see as the season progresses.

"I have to get the team in the right condition to get results and the driver is the one who has to conclude the work of nearly 1,000 people behind him. Everyone works for just two people.

"If there's a driver who isn't making progress, who isn't bringing me results, I change him.

"You can't be emotional in F1."

Briatore would know about being unemotional. In 2008 He famously directed a young driver to deliberately crash his car in order for his teammate to win the race.

And Alpine is a team in decline. It was, until the end of last season, the factory Renault team running under the banner of its performance brand.

But at the end of 2024, it mothballed its own engine program, opting instead to become a Mercedes customer outfit.

It paints a picture of financial despair.

Colapinto brings with him significant backing from wealthy Argentine businessmen all eager for a slice of the ever-growing F1 pie.

Doohan doesn't bring anywhere near the same backing.

Given Alpine has supported Doohan through its academy program for much of his junior career, it would be incredibly harsh if he were to be dumped.

But in the world of F1, it's perform or be replaced.

Doohan can, of course, take control of his own destiny by performing strongly.

On debut in Abu Dhabi, he was solid if not spectacular. If he can find himself fighting for points in Melbourne, he will go a long way to securing his own future in the sport.

If he doesn't, his F1 career would almost certainly be over before it ever really began.