Franco Colapinto's future looks bright as Jack struggles

The Formula 1 paddock is buzzing with speculation about Jack Doohan’s precarious position at Alpine, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto emerging as a strong contender to replace him. Doohan’s rookie season in 2025 has been marred by lackluster performances, including a dismal 18th-place finish in Saudi Arabia and costly incidents that have racked up an estimated $1.5 million in repair bills for the team. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, is known for his ruthless decision-making and has been a vocal supporter of Colapinto, who impressed during a nine-race stint with Williams in 2024. Briatore’s influence, combined with Colapinto’s South American sponsorship backing and proven potential—such as scoring points in his second F1 race—has fueled rumors that Doohan’s seat is on borrowed time, with some reports suggesting a decision could loom by the summer break

However, Doohan has received a temporary reprieve, with Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes backing the Australian rookie until at least the mid-season mark. Despite his struggles, Doohan showed glimpses of promise in Bahrain, narrowly missing Q3 and running in the points before a safety car derailed his race. This has bought him some breathing room, but the pressure remains intense. Briatore’s preference for Colapinto, coupled with the Argentine’s simulator work and growing fan support, keeps the spotlight on Doohan’s every move. If Doohan fails to deliver consistent results soon, Briatore’s shift toward Colapinto could see the young Australian sidelined, marking a dramatic shake-up for Alpine’s 2025 campaign.