Jack Doohan, 22, has been confirmed as the starting driver for the 2025 season, but his future remains uncertain. Unlike most of the usual multi-year contracts in Formula 1, the Australian would have only obtained a commitment limited to five Grands Prix. This contractual detail, which leaked behind the scenes, raises many questions about the real confidence that the team places in him. The pressure is already immense for Doohan. After a 2024 season marked by irregular performances, he will have to convince from the first races otherwise his place will be called into question. With Colapinto in ambush, the threat is tangible: the young Argentinian, crowned with solid performances in Formula 2 and already familiar with Grand Prix weekends thanks to his time at Williams, seems ready to seize the slightest opportunity.
Briatore’s risky strategy
Flavio Briatore, executive advisor of Alpine, is once again at the heart of the controversy. Its talent management, often criticized, raises eyebrows. Since his return to the upper echelons of management in 2023, Briatore has made a number of controversial choices, favoring a driver rotation policy reminiscent of Renault’s most chaotic hours. Under his leadership, the team seems to be seeking to maximize options for the future, even if it means sacrificing stability. “We have an eye on the future,” he declared when announcing the recruitment of Colapinto, before praising the qualities of the young Argentinian. At Le Parisien recently, Flavio Briatore left the door open to a change of driver:
“The only thing sure is death! We will start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee it. Afterwards, we will see during the season. I have to put the stable in condition to get results. And the pilot is the one who must conclude the work of nearly 1000 people behind him. Everyone works for just two people. If there is a driver who is not making progress, who is not bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”
But this strategic vision could backfire on Alpine if internal rivalries disrupt the team’s dynamics.
Colapinto, a bet for the future
At 21, Franco Colapinto is already seen as one of the best prospects in motorsport. His rapid progression through the lower categories, combined with an impressive season in F2, attracted the attention of the big teams. After a brief but convincing integration at Williams, the Argentine driver takes a new step by joining Alpine, where he will play a central role in the development of the team. Colapinto will notably be responsible for simulator testing and will participate in the TPC (Testing Previous Cars) program, alongside Paul Aron and Ryō Hirakawa. This gradual rise in power seems tailor-made to prepare for a possible tenure, whether at Alpine or elsewhere.
“I am delighted to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team and would like to thank Williams for their support in making my Formula 1 dream possible. This new chapter with Alpine is a real honor, and I thank Luca de Meo, Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes for their trust. Thanks also to my sponsors, partners and incredible Argentinian fans for their support. Together, let’s aim for great successes in 2025 and beyond.” Franco Colapinto
Ryō Hirakawa, Alpine’s test and reserve driver for the 2025 season, will bring his wealth of experience by participating in the TPC program and riding on the team simulator. He will also take the wheel of the A525 during Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. With his impressive career in Super Formula, Endurance and Super GT, as well as his FIA Hypercar World Endurance Championship titles and victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, Hirakawa will play a vital role in the development of single-seaters and in technical understanding of the team’s needs throughout the season.
So, with Colapinto and Hirakawa, Alpine is expanding its talent pool, ready to leverage these experienced drivers to develop the car and evaluate future tenure options.
Doohan condemned to shine
For Jack Doohan, the pressure is maximum. The first five races of the 2025 season could well determine the future of his career in Formula 1. At a time when young talents are jostling for a wheel, the Australian will have no room for error. It remains to be seen whether Alpine will be able to take advantage of this internal competition to stimulate its drivers, or whether this controversial management of contracts will end up harming the harmony of the team. One thing is certain: with Colapinto in reserve, the threat to Doohan is more real than ever.
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