Reserve driver Jack Doohan has already signed a contract to partner Pierre Gasly during the 2025 Formula 1 season, though Alpine have been linked with a shock swoop for Franco Colapinto
Reserve driver Jack Doohan has already signed a contract to partner Pierre Gasly during the 2025 Formula 1 season, though Alpine have been linked with a shock swoop for Franco Colapinto Reserve driver Jack Doohan has already signed a contract to partner Pierre Gasly during the 2025 Formula 1 season, though Alpine have been linked with a shock swoop for Franco Colapinto
Alpine are pressing ahead with their plans to hand Jack Doohan his full Formula 1 debut in 2025.
Earlier this season it was confirmed that their reserve driver had been promoted to fill the seat vacated by Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman is ending his long association with the Enstone-based team to start afresh with Haas next year.
Alpine wanted Carlos Sainz but, after the Spaniard rejected their approach in favour of signing with Williams, they turned instead to Doohan. The Australian, son of five-time motorcycle racing champion Mick Doohan, is set to make his F1 debut at his home race next March, aged 22.
However, there has been some speculation that Alpine might change their mind. They have been credited by various outlets with interest in Franco Colapinto, who has impressed for Williams since he was called up to replace Logan Sargeant.
Having already signed Sainz to partner Alex Albon in 2025, Williams have no room for Colapinto any time soon and so have been negotiating with other teams to try to find him a place on next year’s grid. Red Bull have been in negotiations for some time but some have claimed Alpine have registered their interest also.
Some reports have gone as far as to claim Flavio Briatore, who returned this year to the team as an adviser to Renault chief executive Luca de Meo and who is also Doohan’s manager, might be willing to rip up his own client’s contract in favour of signing Colapinto.
The Argentine has impressed since taking over from Sargeant and has five points to show for his first six appearances, while the American had failed to register even once. His popularity in South America makes him an even more attractive option given the lucrative sponsorship opportunities that could lead to.
Alpine, however, seem to have signalled their intention to continue with the plan they already have in place. This week they posted a video of Doohan training with the caption: “2025 in progress,” indicating they intend to stick with the Australian.
Whoever does line up with Pierre Gasly next season will be the last, alongside the Frenchman, to race an Alpine car powered by Renault engines. It was announced this week that the Enstone-based outfit has signed a customer deal with Mercedes which will take effect from 2026, when new power unit regulations come into force.
A team statement read: “The multi-year agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply BWT Alpine Formula One Team with power units for the duration of the new regulation era, from 2026 until at least 2030. Alongside the power unit, BWT Alpine Formula One Team will also be supplied with Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season.”
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Mirror – Sport
