New Lifeline for Jack Doohan at Alpine?

Despite recent indications from executive adviser Flavio Briatore that Alpine's 2026 driver choice is between Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron, Jack Doohan reportedly maintains a slim, outside chance for a return to a race seat. Sources close to the situation suggest Briatore's comments did not explicitly exclude Doohan, whose future with the team remains a subject of speculation.

Why it matters:

Jack Doohan's potential return to an Alpine race seat for the 2026 F1 season could add another layer of intrigue to the team's ongoing driver selection process. After being demoted earlier in the 2025 season, a comeback for Doohan would signify a significant reversal and highlight Alpine's internal deliberations on their long-term driver lineup. It also underscores the competitive pressure within the team's reserve driver pool.

The Details:

• Doohan's 2025 Season: Doohan began the 2025 season as Pierre Gasly's teammate but was demoted after failing to score points in the first six races following the Miami Grand Prix. Franco Colapinto took his place from the Imola GP onwards.
• Colapinto's Struggles: Despite impressive performances for Williams in the latter half of the previous season, Colapinto has also struggled with the A525 car, remaining without a point after 11 appearances for Alpine.
• Briatore's Comments: Flavio Briatore recently suggested that Alpine's 2026 choice is a 'straight choice' between Colapinto and fellow reserve driver Paul Aron, implying no external options are being considered.
• Doohan's Continued Hope: Sources indicate that Doohan, who is managed by Briatore, still has a slim chance for a race seat. It is understood that Briatore's interview questions were focused on Colapinto and Aron, rather than a comprehensive overview of all internal options.
• Ongoing Team Involvement: Doohan has continued to attend races as a reserve driver since his demotion, underscoring Alpine's previous statement that he 'remains an integral part of the team' and the 'first-choice reserve driver.'
• Paul Aron's Development: Aron, the 21-year-old Estonian, has been actively preparing for an F1 graduation, making multiple FP1 appearances this season, including for Sauber and Alpine. He finished 20th in his Alpine FP1 debut at Monza, 0.5 seconds behind Gasly.

Between the lines:

Briatore's management of Doohan complicates the public messaging around Alpine's driver plans. While publicly narrowing the choice to Colapinto and Aron, the internal dynamics might be more fluid, especially given Doohan's continued presence and role within the team. The lack of points from both Doohan and Colapinto in the A525 car further highlights Alpine's performance challenges and the pressure on their driver selection process for future seasons.

What's next:

Alpine's final decision for their 2026 lineup will be closely watched, especially if Doohan's slim chances materialize. The team will need to weigh performance, sponsorship, and long-term potential as they look to improve their competitive standing. Doohan's previous consideration for a Cadillac F1 role for 2026, though ultimately unsuccessful, shows his continued pursuit of an F1 future.