Alpine F1 team releases Jack Doohan after demotion to reserve role

Doohan, 22, had been a prominent figure within the Alpine Academy program since his Formula 2 years, often regarded as one of its brightest prospects. His progression through the junior ranks was marked by notable performances, including finishing third in the 2022 Formula 2 Championship and fourth in 2023, accumulating multiple victories and pole positions. These results positioned him firmly on the path to Formula 1, culminating in his promotion to a full-time F1 race seat with Alpine for the 2025 season, a significant milestone for the young Australian and the academy program. He had made his official Grand Prix debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking part in practice sessions and preparing for what was anticipated to be his maiden full campaign in 2025.

The 2025 season, however, proved to be a demanding period for Doohan. Despite the initial vote of confidence, his performance did not consistently meet the team’s expectations. Competing against experienced teammate Pierre Gasly, Doohan struggled to consistently match the Frenchman’s pace and qualifying prowess. Across eight qualifying sessions, Doohan outqualified Gasly on only two occasions. Furthermore, in half of these sessions, he was reported to be more than six-tenths of a second adrift of Gasly’s pace, a significant margin in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1. His best race finish on Sundays during this period was a 13th place, indicating difficulty in converting raw speed into consistent point-scoring positions or strong race results.

The struggles for Doohan coincided with Alpine’s strategic decision to expand its pool of reserve drivers. Among the new additions was Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto, who had also garnered attention through his junior formula career, including a strong showing in Formula 2. Colapinto’s rapid development and impressive performances, both in testing and any limited competitive outings he had with the team, reportedly impressed the Enstone-based squad’s management.

The internal assessment of driver performances led to a significant restructuring within Alpine’s driver line-up for the latter part of the 2025 season and looking ahead to 2026. Colapinto was subsequently promoted to a race seat, effectively replacing Doohan. This decision resulted in Doohan’s demotion back to his former reserve driver role, a development that he candidly admitted was "a tough one for [him] to take." The emotional impact of such a setback for a young driver, having achieved the pinnacle of the sport only to be re-evaluated, is substantial and underscores the cut-throat nature of Formula 1.

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Following his demotion, the mutual agreement to part ways signifies Doohan’s intent to pursue a different trajectory in his motorsport career. Speculation has linked him to a potential campaign in Japan’s prestigious Super Formula series with Kondo Racing. Super Formula is renowned for its high-performance machinery and competitive grid, often serving as a stepping stone or a significant alternative for drivers with F1 aspirations or those seeking top-tier open-wheel racing outside of Formula 1.

However, the move to Super Formula is not yet officially confirmed, and recent events have added a layer of complexity to these discussions. Doohan recently participated in a Super Formula test at the Suzuka Circuit, a demanding track known for its technical challenges. During this test, he experienced three separate crashes at the notorious Degner 2 corner. While testing incidents can occur, the repetition at the same challenging section of the track raised concerns. Kondo Racing, through team principal Masahiko Kondo, publicly defended Doohan, acknowledging the difficulty of adapting to the Super Formula car and the unique characteristics of Suzuka, but the incidents undoubtedly complicate the finalization of any potential agreement. The series requires a precise and confident driving style, and a strong start to any new venture is crucial for a driver seeking to rebuild momentum.

Alpine’s official statement regarding Doohan’s departure was succinct and professional, aligning with standard corporate communications in motorsport:

"BWT Alpine Formula One Team confirms it has reached a mutual agreement with Jack Doohan to not continue his driving services with the team for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season and allow him to pursue other career opportunities.

Jack became the first member of the Alpine Academy to graduate into a race seat with the team when he made his grand prix debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The team would like to thank Jack for his commitment and professionalism to the team for the past four years, both on and off track, and wishes him all the best for the future."

The statement highlighted Doohan’s significant achievement as the first Alpine Academy graduate to secure a race seat, a testament to the program’s success in nurturing talent, even if the ultimate outcome was a departure. It emphasized the mutual nature of the decision and expressed gratitude for his contributions over four years.

Doohan’s journey with Alpine reflects the intense pressure and high stakes involved in Formula 1. The sport demands not only exceptional talent but also immediate and consistent performance, particularly from young drivers who often have limited opportunities to prove themselves. Alpine, like many other F1 teams, operates a robust driver academy designed to identify and develop future F1 stars. The success stories, such as Oscar Piastri, who also emerged from the Alpine program but eventually found a seat elsewhere, underscore the competitive landscape even within an academy. The team itself has undergone significant leadership changes and performance fluctuations in recent seasons, striving to climb the constructor standings. Their driver lineup for 2025 and beyond has been a subject of considerable speculation, particularly with Esteban Ocon’s confirmed departure and the ongoing evaluation of talent.

For Doohan, the departure from Alpine marks a pivotal moment. While the immediate F1 door appears closed, a successful stint in Super Formula could potentially reignite his F1 ambitions or open doors to other prestigious racing categories such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC), IndyCar, or Formula E. Many drivers have found successful careers outside of F1 after not securing or retaining a seat, demonstrating that a career in motorsport extends far beyond the pinnacle of Formula 1. His next move will be closely watched by those in the motorsport world, as he navigates this critical juncture in his promising career.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.