Alpine F1 Team Considers Driver Change as Jack Doohan’s Performance Falls Short
The Alpine F1 Team is reportedly contemplating a driver change as Jack Doohan’s performance in the 2025 season raises concerns. Speculation about Doohan’s potential exit has circulated since last November, with Franco Colapinto touted as his likely replacement.
Doohan began the season amid significant pressure, unable to deliver consistent results. After six races, he has been outqualified by teammate Pierre Gasly, 6-2, with an average qualifying gap of 0.367 seconds. Gasly has consistently finished ahead in five of the six races, with the lone exception being a disqualification in Shanghai where Gasly finished 11th.
Technical analysis reveals that while Doohan has shown flashes of speed, his overall average finishing position stands at 15.6, compared to Colapinto’s impressive debut at Williams, averaging a finish of 10.6 and scoring points in Baku and Austin.
Critics have indicated that the constant speculation regarding his future may have stifled Doohan’s performance. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, has historically supported drivers who demonstrate potential, and the lack of backing could hinder Doohan’s growth. Despite understanding the competitive nature of Formula 1, observers are disappointed at the missed opportunity to see if Doohan could improve with more time.
Colapinto, having previously faced challenges at Williams, demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure—an attribute deemed essential in the current highly competitive environment. As teams prepare for the busy European race calendar, Alpine’s decision may not only hinge on performance metrics but also the financial implications tied to Colapinto’s sponsorship prospects.
Ultimately, Alpine faces a pivotal choice. As the season unfolds, the urgency for a consistent and high-performing driver grows, suggesting that Colapinto’s promotion into a race seat may soon materialize if Doohan fails to exhibit the necessary improvements.
