F1 driver's seat at risk before 2025 season even begins as rising star to sign
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Few rookies in Formula 1 history have been under so much pressure so quickly as Jack Doohan. The Australian has exactly one F1 start to his name, having been parachuted into the Alpine seat in Abu Dhabi last December to replace Haas-bound Esteban Ocon. He has a contract to continue this season but, already, there are alternative plans being put in place.
Alpine have made no secret of the fact they have been courting Franco Colapinto after his temporary nine-race stint with Williams at the back end of the 2024 season. The Argentine came into that role knowing he would not keep the seat for this year, as the team had already signed Carlos Sainz to race this year alongside Alex Albon.
So team principal James Vowles has been working to help Colapinto to find a place on the grid elsewhere. Initially, Red Bull looked to be his most likely destination but they cooled their interest and now it is all about Alpine - they have held talks with the 21-year-old even after handing their reserve driver Doohan a contract for 2025.
And it looks like a breakthrough has been made. As now reported by multiple outlets, Colapinto is expected to be unveiled as an Alpine driver soon - though not straight away in a race seat. Instead, he is set to join as a reserve initially, alongside former McLaren development driver Ryo Hirakawa.
Doohan will start the 2025 season in the race seat next to Pierre Gasly. However, the pressure is now higher than ever on the Australian who needs to perform immediately, otherwise Flavio Briatore will not even bat an eyelid at the prospect of an early-season driver swap.
