Before the 2025 Formula One season has even begun, speculation is swirling around one of the newest additions to the grid. Jack Doohan, Alpine’s recently promoted rider, is already facing rumours that he may not last the entire season. Reports suggest that he has landed on team advisor Flavio Briatore’s so-called ‘hit list’, raising concerns about his long-term prospects in the sport.
The latest predictions about Doohan’s uncertain future have been fuelled by former F1 rider Robert Doornbos, who in an interview with the Dutch edition of *Motorsport.com* echoed the sentiments expressed by other experts. Doornbos believes the signs are not promising for the young Australian, especially given the immense pressure he is already under.
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Temporary contract, uncertain future
Much of the concern surrounding Doohan’s future in Alpine stems from rumours that he is only on a short-term contract. While securing a seat in F1 is a dream for any rider, Doornbos insisted that without long-term job security the pressure becomes almost unbearable.
“But contracts are also part of it,” Doornbos explained, drawing on his own experience in F1. “And when you only get a temporary contract, the pressure is there.”
According to widespread reports, Doohan’s deal with Alpine is structured in such a way that he is only guaranteed a seat for the first few races. If his performance does not live up to expectations he could be replaced before the halfway point of the season.
Doornbos claims that the most worrying aspect of Doohan’s situation is that he may only have six races to prove himself. “The story now is that there are only six races,” said the Dutchman, adding that the presence of Franco Colapinto as Alpine’s reserve rider adds another layer of pressure.
Colapinto, a rising star who was previously part of the Williams driver academy, has been signed as Alpine’s reserve driver for 2025. However, there is a growing belief that his role may not be limited to that of a reserve. Some insiders believe it is only a matter of time before he is promoted to a full-time race seat, possibly at Doohan’s expense.
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Crucial start in Melbourne
One factor that could significantly affect Doohan’s fortunes is the season opener in Melbourne. Making his full-time F1 debut on home soil could be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the overwhelming support of his home fans could serve as motivation. On the other hand, the heightened expectations could add pressure to an already tense situation.
Doornbos believes that Doohan’s home race could complicate matters further. “I think the pressure is getting too much,” he said. “It’s a delicate situation for the Australian.” If Doohan struggles in the early rounds, particularly in Melbourne, it could accelerate Alpine’s decision to make a rider change.
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Alpine’s ruthless track record
Adding to the concerns is Alpine’s reputation for instability when it comes to driver decisions. The team has undergone significant internal changes in recent years and its handling of driver contracts has been anything but consistent. In 2023, Alpine lost two of its brightest young prospects – Oscar Piastri, who opted to join McLaren, and Pierre Gasly, who was reportedly offered to several teams before ultimately staying put.
If the Alpine management, particularly Briatore, feel that Doohan is not delivering results quickly enough, there is little reason to believe that they would hesitate to replace him. Briatore is known for his cut-throat management style, and his involvement in Alpine’s F1 operations suggests that patience will be in short supply.
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Doohan’s F1 career at crossroads
The situation is precarious for Doohan. At just 22, he has long been touted as one of Australia’s most promising racing talents. But Formula One is an unforgiving sport, and opportunities can disappear as quickly as they appear. If Alpine decides to replace him mid-season, he could find himself without a seat in 2026, potentially ending his F1 career before it has even begun.
Robert Doornbos, who himself had a brief stint in F1 with Minardi and Red Bull between 2005 and 2006, knows how difficult it is to establish a lasting presence in the sport. He believes Doohan could suffer a similar fate if he fails to deliver from the first race. “I think he will not finish the season,” Doornbos concluded bluntly.
If his prediction proves accurate, Doohan’s F1 career could be over before he even gets the chance to make a lasting impression.
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His performance level will certainly matter early on, but perhaps not later in the season anymore, for example, around the summer break due to the buyout fee & likely incoming Argentine sponsors.
However, the claims about only guaranteed for five GPs couldn’t be more inaccurate as full-time drivers always receive at the very minimum a full single-season deal, which was clearly implicated without room for interpretation in the announcement statement by the ‘2025’ reference, not to mention all these people aren’t even privy to his contract context anyway, so they’ve zero evidence to support their claim.