Last Updated on December 15 2024, 9:03 am
Briatore eyes Colapinto amid rumours of Doohan’s Alpine exit – Jack Doohan’s Formula One journey, which seemed to be on the brink of a breakthrough, is now clouded by speculation. The young Australian, who made his Grand Prix debut in Abu Dhabi as part of the season finale shake-up, is facing fresh doubts over his future at Alpine.
Despite beating Mick Schumacher to the Alpine seat for 2025, rumours suggest that Flavio Briatore may already have another rising star in mind: Franco Colapinto.
Rocky start for Doohan?
Doohan’s debut in Abu Dhabi was the result of internal tensions between Esteban Ocon and Alpine, giving the rookie an unexpected chance to prove himself.
However, rather than consolidating his position, this opportunity may have inadvertently put him under intense scrutiny. Whispers in the paddock suggest that Briatore, Alpine’s influential special advisor, has been keeping a close eye on Doohan’s performance.
This scrutiny has led to speculation that Alpine may be considering an alternative, particularly with Colapinto emerging as a potential replacement. The Argentinian talent has impressed in his early outings with Williams, showing speed and flair, but has missed out on a regular seat for 2025.
For Briatore, who has a history of making bold decisions, Colapinto’s growing popularity in South America and his potential to attract lucrative sponsorship deals could make him an enticing prospect.
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Colapinto: A rising star with global appeal
Franco Colapinto’s name is making the rounds in Formula One circles. The young driver’s performances for Williams in 2024 earned him admiration, even if they didn’t translate into a permanent seat. Despite this setback, his natural speed, coupled with his marketability in South America, has put him firmly on the radar of team executives such as Briatore.
In South America, Colapinto is seen as the next big thing in motorsport. His potential to galvanise a passionate fan base and attract regional sponsorship makes him an asset off the track.
For Alpine, a team looking to recapture its glory days, Colapinto could bring both talent and financial clout – a combination that teams rarely ignore.
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Marc Surer weighs in on Doohan’s chances
Former F1 driver and commentator for Sky Germany, Marc Surer, has weighed in on the situation, offering a balanced perspective on the challenges facing Doohan.
“Jack Doohan is Alpine’s junior driver, he was the reserve. He deserves to be used. I think it’s great, because why else would you promote junior driver’s?” Surer said in an exclusive interview.
However, Surer acknowledged the cut-throat nature of Formula One.
“If he [Doohan] doesn’t make it and there’s someone like Colapinto on the market – someone who has shown talent despite a few crashes – then it’s understandable for Alpine to explore their options. There’s a rough diamond there,” he added.
For Surer, the idea of swapping Doohan for Colapinto makes sense if the latter shows more long-term potential.
“Why not? If you think Colapinto has more upside then it’s a logical move. Briatore is tough enough to make such a decision.”
Briatore’s legacy of bold moves
Flavio Briatore is no stranger to making bold and often game-changing moves in Formula One. His track record speaks volumes about his ability to spot and nurture talent. The most famous example is his swift acquisition of Michael Schumacher in 1991.
After an outstanding debut with Jordan, Briatore orchestrated Schumacher’s move to Benetton for the next race. The result? A career that redefined the sport and cemented Briatore’s reputation as a master talent scout.
This historical precedent lends weight to the rumours surrounding Colapinto. Briatore’s reputation for making bold decisions, combined with his unflinching approach to team management, suggests he wouldn’t hesitate to make a similar move if he saw Colapinto as a future champion.
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The bigger picture: Doohan’s future and Alpine’s ambitions
For Jack Doohan, the situation is one of challenge. While his early performance with Alpine has been commendable, Formula One is a results-driven business.
Every lap, every race and every decision is scrutinised. For a rookie like Doohan there is little room for error, especially when competing against a driver as promising as Colapinto.
For Alpine, the decision is about more than just talent. The team has ambitious plans to climb the Formula One pecking order, and finding the right driver line-up is crucial to achieving that goal. Colapinto’s raw speed, combined with his marketability, could be the perfect package for a team looking to build a strong foundation for the future.
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Will history repeat itself?
The parallels between Briatore’s pursuit of Schumacher and the current situation with Colapinto are hard to ignore. Both involve young drivers who showed immense potential early in their careers. Both involve Briatore’s keen eye for talent. And both underline the ruthless efficiency with which Formula One operates.
If Briatore does decide to back Colapinto over Doohan, it will be another reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in F1. For Doohan, the challenge is clear: to deliver results and prove that he deserves to stay.
For Colapinto, the door to a potential seat in the Alps may be open, but the pressure to perform will be just as immense.
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A decision looms
As the F1 world prepares for another season, the spotlight remains on Alpine and the decision they have to make. Will they stick with Jack Doohan, a home-grown talent with potential but limited experience? Or will they back Franco Colapinto, a rising star with global appeal and untapped potential?
For now, both drivers must concentrate on proving themselves on the track. But as history has shown, when Flavio Briatore is involved, decisions are rarely conventional – and the results often shape the future of the sport.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
