At Tuesday's F1 launch event, Jack Doohan made it clear that Alpine's decision to sign Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver has not affected him.
The 22-year-old Australian addressed widespread rumours that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto could replace him before the end of the 2025 season.
Colapinto made his debut with Williams last year, stepping in for Logan Sargeant, and caught Alpine's attention after scoring points in just his second Grand Prix. As a result, Alpine has secured him on a long-term loan agreement.
At Tuesday's launch event in London, Doohan addressed the speculation about his future with Alpine.
โNo. I've been told he's reserve driver,โ Doohan said when asked if Colapinto's signing adds any pressure.
Doohan was then asked whether he felt undermined by Colapinto's long-term loan deal.
โWas that a question?โ Doohan replied. โI was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract.
โNo, I don't [feel undermined]. Maybe I should, I don't know. I don't really understand that as a question. But yeah, definitely not.โ
The speculation intensified after last week's Williams launch event, where team principal James Vowles openly stated that Colapinto was eyeing Doohan's seat before an eventual return to Williams.
โThe best chance he has is with Alpine as far as [getting on the grid],โ he said, per ESPN. โThat's why he's there."
โI don't mean that to the detriment of Jack - I hope Jack has a successful time - but ultimately Franco is my driver that I want back in that car.โ
As reported by Autosport, Pierre Gasly spoke out in defence of his new teammate in the French media.
โI know Jack and I want him to do the best he can,โ he said.
โI won't comment any further. As a rookie, it's never easy to get into F1, and there's no need to make things more complicated than they need to be.โ
Alpine is determined to carry the momentum they gained at the end of last season, having accumulated only 14 points before the final four races, where they surged to add another 51 points.ย
With the 2025 F1 season set to begin, Doohan's best bet at shutting down axing rumours is by making a strong startย in Melbourne on March 14.
