Key Highlights
- Jack Doohan’s return plot to Alpine for the 2026 season collapses.
- Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore rules out options from outside its driver pool.
- Doohan remains a potential option but is now considered unlikely for an Alpine race seat.
- A potential F1 opportunity with the Cadillac team in 2026 is uncertain due to current events.
Alpine’s Driver Future Amidst Controversy
Alpine F1 Team faces a critical decision over its driver lineup for the upcoming 2026 season, with significant implications for Jack Doohan. The team has announced that Doohan is now highly unlikely to return to a race seat, marking a setback in his ambitions after a difficult start to the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
Doohan’s Demotion and Alpine’s Decision
Doohan, who was demoted by Alpine ahead of May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to poor performance across the opening six races, faces an uncertain future. Despite an ambitious bid to replace Franco Colapinto for the final three races of 2025, Doohan’s return plot has collapsed. This decision is part of a broader strategy announced by Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore.
Flavio Briatore, who also acts as Doohan’s manager, revealed that the team would consider options only from within its driver pool for 2026, ruling out moves for other drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. This strategy means Doohan remains a potential option but with diminishing prospects.
Colapinto’s Performance and Future
Despite initial struggles, Franco Colapinto has shown improved pace in recent weeks. The former Williams driver outqualified Gasly at three of the last five rounds, securing key sponsor Mercado Libre for the United States, Mexican, and Brazilian grands prix. This arrangement ensures his seat is safe until the end of the season.
Colapinto’s performance has shifted the dynamic within Alpine, making Doohan’s return less likely as the team looks internally to make its decision on drivers for 2026.
Doohan’s Continued Role and Future Prospects
Jack Doohan continues to attend races in his capacity as a reserve driver but has not remained fresh during his time away from a race seat. One planned Test of Previous Car (TPC) outing was canceled, and his simulator time at Enstone has been restricted. This lack of preparation may impact his readiness if an opportunity arises.
Doohan’s father, the renowned motorcycle racer Mick Doohan, remains involved in discussions with Cadillac F1 team regarding potential opportunities for Jack in 2026. However, uncertainties surrounding Cadillac’s driver lineup and Doohan’s Super Licence status complicate this scenario.
F1 Landscape and Implications
The shifting dynamics within Alpine highlight the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the constant evaluation of drivers. As Doohan’s future remains uncertain, both he and Alpine face critical decisions in the coming months. With other teams also considering their driver options for 2026, the landscape is expected to evolve significantly.
The situation underscores the importance of consistent performance and team support in Formula 1.
Doohan’s case serves as a reminder that even experienced drivers can face challenges and must adapt to changing circumstances within the sport.
As Alpine looks ahead, its decision on driver options will impact not only the team but also the broader F1 landscape. The upcoming season promises to be pivotal for both Doohan and Alpine as they navigate their respective futures in one of motorsport’s most competitive series.
