Australian racing fans are reeling from a devastating blow to one of their own. Jack Doohan’s dream of reclaiming a spot on the Formula 1 grid has been shattered, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the talented driver. But here’s where it gets even more heartbreaking: after just six races into the 2025 season, Alpine dropped Doohan, replacing him with Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto. What was initially billed as a temporary “rotation” policy has now become a permanent shift, with Colapinto not only staying put but also securing a contract extension for 2026. And this is the part most people miss: Doohan’s chances of returning to Alpine are now virtually nonexistent, pushing him to explore other avenues in motorsport.
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Colapinto’s re-signing was announced ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix—the only race on his home continent of South America—and he didn’t hold back his gratitude. ‘I am very grateful to Flavio [Briatore] and the entire team for their belief in me,’ he said. ‘It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m proud to continue with this team in 2026 alongside Pierre [Gasly], who’s been an incredible teammate and mentor. With the upcoming reset in Formula 1, we’re aiming to give our fans something truly special to celebrate.’
But here’s the controversial part: while Colapinto’s rise is undeniable, Doohan’s sudden sidelining has sparked debates about Alpine’s driver management strategy. Was it fair to drop him so early in the season? And what does this mean for young drivers’ careers in such a cutthroat sport? These questions are fueling heated discussions among fans and experts alike.
Meanwhile, Doohan isn’t sitting idle. Reports suggest he’s eyeing a move to the Toyota-powered Kondo Racing team in Japan’s Super Formula series for 2026. This highly competitive championship, positioned between Formula 1 and Formula 2, is increasingly becoming a proving ground for drivers on the F1 fringes. With identical Dallara chassis and powerful Honda or Toyota engines, Super Formula offers a platform to stay race-ready while keeping F1 dreams alive. In theory, this could even open doors for Doohan to test or practice with Haas, given their ties to Toyota. His father, Mick, has reportedly been in talks with Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, hinting at a potential lifeline back to F1.
Yet, for now, Doohan remains on the sidelines, his future uncertain. Will he find success in Super Formula? Could Haas be his ticket back to the grid? Or is this the end of his F1 journey? What do you think? Is Alpine’s decision justified, or did they give up on Doohan too soon? Let us know in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: this chapter in Doohan’s career is far from over, and the motorsport world will be watching closely.
- with Michael Lamonato, Fox Sports Read more
