The Alpine team announced this Tuesday, January 13, 2026, a mutual agreement with the Australian driver Jack Doohan to end the contractual relationship. The decision allows the 23-year-old to pursue other opportunities in international motorsport. Doohan, who was part of the team’s academy for four years, will no longer be part of the French team’s program at Fórmula 1.
The separation comes after a brief and challenging stint for Doohan as the titular pilot. Ele competed in just seven races in the main category, without winning points. The team publicly thanked the Australian for his commitment on and off the track.
The announcement marks the end of a cycle that began with high expectations at Alpine Academy. Doohan became the program’s first graduate to debut for the main team, but results did not live up to initial potential.
Trajectory from Doohan to Alpine
Jack Doohan joined the Alpine academy while still in Fórmula 2, where he demonstrated speed in several races. Ele achieved consistent victories and podiums, which accelerated his promotion to the main team. His debut took place in Grande Prêmio of Abu Dhabi in 2024, when he replaced Esteban Ocon in the last stage of the season.
The following year, Doohan took over the title alongside Pierre Gasly. The opportunity represented the realization of a long-term project by the French team. However, adapting to the Fórmula 1 revealed difficulties in extracting consistent performance from the car.
2025 racing performance
Doohan participated in six complete races as a starter in 2025. Seu best result was 13th place in Grande Prêmio of The Australian faced qualifying problems, being regularly overtaken by his teammate.
The team identified the need for rapid changes to improve overall performance. Após o Grande Prêmio of Miami, management opted for immediate replacement. Franco Colapinto, then a reserve, took over the cockpit and remained until the end of the season.
- Top Doohan races in 2025:
- Full debut at Austrália, with finish outside the points
- Best relative ranking in Bahrein
- 13th place in China as a highlight
- Two retirements due to mechanical problems
- Last test on Miami before exchange
Replacement with Franco Colapinto
The arrival of Franco Colapinto to ownership occurred officially shortly after Miami. The Argentine, who had already impressed in previous substitutions, brought new dynamics to the team. Colapinto maintained the vacancy for the remainder of the 2025 calendar.
The change reflected the pressure for results at Alpine, which was seeking recovery in the constructors’ table. Doohan returned to the reserve role, contributing work on the simulator. Essa function helped in the development of the car in the final stages of the season.
The decision to promote Colapinto also considered the constantly moving pilot market. Várias teams were evaluating options for 2026, and Alpine prioritized the Gasly-Colapinto duo for the new technical regulations.
Team context for 2026
Alpine confirmed Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto as starters for the 2026 season. The duo represents continuity after the adjustments made in the previous year. The French team is working intensively on adapting to the new power unit regulations.
The own engine project gains priority at the Viry-Châtillon factory. The technical management is betting on performance gains to compete in the intermediate field. The release of Doohan makes room for full focus on confirmed pilots.
The 2026 season starts on March 8 at Austrália, with an expanded calendar. Alpine participates in pre-season testing at Bahrein, where it will present the new car.
Future of Jack Doohan
Doohan expressed interest in high-level competition outside the immediate Fórmula 1. The Japanese Super Formula appears as a concrete option, with tests already carried out at the end of 2025. The category offers cars with performance close to F1 and a competitive grid.
The Australian is in contact with other Fórmula 1 teams for possible reserve roles. Sua recent experience in the simulator attracts interest from smaller teams. Doohan plans to remain competitive while evaluating proposals.
The departure of Alpine does not necessarily end the chances of returning to the main category. Vários drivers regained places after periods in other series.
Pilot market on the move
The 2026 grid has few open places after recent confirmations. Equipes as Haas and Sauber finished doubles, reducing options for experienced reserves. Doohan indirectly competes with names like Liam Lawson and other young people.
Alpine, by releasing Doohan, demonstrates a strategy of constant renewal. The French academy continues to train talent, but prioritizes immediate results. Outros graduates monitor the path opened by the Australian.
The Fórmula 1 enters an era of new technical rules, with greater emphasis on sustainability. Teams adjust driver programs to maximize aerodynamic and power unit development.
Legacy at the academy
Doohan remains the only driver from the current academy to achieve a first-team ride for the main team. Sua passage serves as a reference for the next juniors. Alpine invests in new names in Fórmula 2 and Fórmula 3.
The French program produced talent distributed across the grid. The experience of Doohan highlights the difficulty of consolidation in the main category. The team maintains structure to support long-term development.
The amicable separation preserves relationships for possible future collaborations. Doohan publicly thanked the support received over the years.
