Australian driver Jack Doohan is on the brink of being replaced by Alpine F1 ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, following a disappointing crash during the opening lap in Miami. Although no official statement has been issued, reports suggest that Alpine notified Doohan of their decision to make a driver change before he left the Miami circuit.
Doohan, who was elevated to a race seat for the 2025 season in November, has been under pressure to perform, facing potential mid-season replacement if he did not match the performance of teammate Pierre Gasly. His start in Formula 1 has been rocky, with an early retirement in his home race and a disqualification affecting his results. Thus far, his best finish has been 14th in Bahrain, and he has since had a series of disappointing performances, including a high-speed crash during free practice in Japan and a subsequent collision with Liam Lawson in Miami.
Rumours are circulating that Alpine is eyeing Franco Colapinto, another rookie driver and their reserve for the upcoming season, to take Doohan’s seat. Colapinto was previously loaned from Williams and has shown promise in earlier Grand Prix appearances; however, he hasn’t been without his own issues, including multiple retirements in the latter part of last season.
Alpine’s team principal Oliver Oakes declined to confirm Doohan’s position for the Imola event, but it seems the pressures are mounting for the young Australian. Doohan finds himself among four drivers this season yet to score any championship points, intensifying speculation regarding his future with the team.
Colapinto’s performance and sponsorship backing further complicate the situation, as F1’s rising popularity in Argentina enhances his profile as the country’s sole representative in the sport. The environment at Alpine is dynamic, and while Doohan may stay on the roster for the remainder of the season, his immediate future in Formula 1 remains uncertain.