Follow us on Google Discover Jack Doohan is in talks with some of Alpine’s Formula 1 rivals as he tries to finalise his plans for 2026. Doohan was relegated back to the reserve driver role six races into his rookie season, with Franco Colapinto replacing him.
It’s already been reported that Doohan has spoken to Haas about joining their driver pool for next year. A return to an Alpine race seat looks increasingly unrealistic, even if replacement Franco Colapinto hasn’t been a clear upgrade.
Now, The Race reveal that Doohan has had ‘conversations’ with Cadillac, Williams and Sauber (soon to be Audi) too. Cadillac have already signed Colton Herta as a test driver, so that may be the least desirable option.
Doohan may never find his way back onto the grid after one of the most ruthless driver calls in the sport’s recent history. But there’s no indication that he’s given up.
Jack Doohan is having to pay for his own testing programme
Though still nominally a reserve driver, Doohan’s role has been limited. He’s not testing in the simulator as much as would be expected, and he’s fairly anonymous when he attends races in a backup capacity.
Having fallen behind Paul Aron in the hierarchy, Doohan hasn’t been ‘engaged’ in Alpine’s TPC (testing previous cars) programme either. One test was ‘called off’, and the Australian has had to arrange outings in junior formula cars ‘at his own expense’ so he can stay sharp.
Even though he’s been ‘completely sidelined’, Doohan’s preference is to ‘fight for his place’ at Alpine. But Colapinto and Aron are the only options to partner Pierre Gasly next year.
And looking ahead to 2026, Doohan has been told that Alpine want to evaluate more young drivers. This has ‘forced’ him to consider a move away.
Alpine boss Flavio Briatore owes Jack Doohan an apology
Flavio Briatore and Alpine arguably deserve criticism for how they’ve treated Doohan.
The consensus was that Doohan wasn’t given enough time to prove himself before losing his seat, with Martin Brundle suggesting he should have had until at least the summer break. But Colapinto’s superior commercial backing may have made the difference.
Doohan thought he’d be back in the car if the Argentine didn’t deliver, but the anticipated rotational arrangement hasn’t materialised.
The biggest insult, though, is that Doohan is having to fund his own testing. He deserves to at least be given the opportunities afforded to most reserve drivers, and should be made to feel like a valued member of the team.
It feels inevitable that the 22-year-old will leave in the near future, but before he does, perhaps Briatore should offer him an apology.