Alpine: Doohan Set for Fair Shot Despite Colapinto’s Arrival
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has made it clear that rookie driver Jack Doohan will receive a fair opportunity to showcase his skills, even with the recent signing of the more experienced Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver for the team.
Doohan was initially announced as Esteban Ocon’s replacement for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with the Australian getting an early debut in the Abu Dhabi season finale to prepare for a full campaign this year. However, Alpine also added Colapinto to its roster after securing a deal with Williams for the talented young driver.
Colapinto’s Impressive Debut and Subsequent Challenges
Colapinto made a splash last year with a mid-season debut for Williams, scoring five points in his first four Grand Prix weekends. Despite attracting interest from other teams like Red Bull for the 2025 season, Colapinto faced challenges as Williams’ performance declined, leading to a series of costly crashes that affected his performance.
Oakes’ Reassurance and Team Strategy
During an appearance on the James Allen on F1 podcast, Oakes emphasized that Doohan will not be overshadowed by Colapinto’s arrival. The team’s intention is to provide depth and options for the future, ensuring they have the best drivers possible in the race car. Oakes praised Colapinto’s speed and highlighted the value of having two young, talented drivers like Paul Aron and Colapinto waiting in the wings for future seasons.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
With F1 being a sport of fine margins, Oakes stressed the importance of planning for the future beyond just the upcoming season. By having a strong roster of drivers, Alpine aims to keep everyone motivated and performing at their best, while also having flexibility and options for the years ahead.
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, the competition is fierce, and every decision matters. As fans eagerly await the start of the 2025 season, the dynamic between Doohan and Colapinto at Alpine will be one to watch closely.
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