Alpine to favour Colapinto over Doohan to be Gasly teammate?

The 21-year-old Argentine driver impressed in 2024 after stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams. Despite a series of standout performances early on, Colapinto’s debut season was marred by mistakes in the latter stages. Nevertheless, his potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by Alpine’s consultant Flavio Briatore, a key figure reportedly driving the push to sign him.

In addition to his on-track promise, Colapinto brings significant commercial value. His rising popularity in the Americas offers potential sponsorship and fan engagement opportunities—a factor Alpine is likely considering as part of the deal.

Briatore, renowned for nurturing talents like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, has publicly praised Colapinto's abilities, telling reporters last season: “Colapinto’s performances are of the highest level.”

Last season, Colapinto scored five points across nine races with Williams, solidifying his reputation as a high-level prospect. Red Bull reportedly entered discussions with his management team, led by María Catarineu and Jamie Campbell-Walter, but talks failed to yield a deal. This left the door open for Briatore to act.

Alpine is said to have initiated negotiations soon after, with Olé reporting that a deal has already been signed. An official announcement could come as early as this week, though the complexities of F1 contracts may introduce delays.

This potential move complicates the picture for Doohan, Alpine's long-time reserve driver. The Australian made his Grand Prix debut in Abu Dhabi last year, filling in for Esteban Ocon.

Despite a solid showing, it appears his promotion to a full-time seat may now be limited to a preliminary six-race contract, as confirmed by Briatore.

“Those who will start in the two Alpines this year are Pierre Gasly, the team number one, and rookie Jack Doohan,” Briatore stated to Le Parisien late last year. He added that Doohan’s agreement covers the opening rounds of the 2025 season, leaving his future beyond that uncertain.

Briatore’s track record in identifying future champions and signing them no matter what, aka Schumi from Jordan. Whether Colapinto can live up to these expectations in his sophomore F1 season remains to be seen, but his arrival—if it does happen at the expense of Doohan—promises to shake up the grid in 2025.