With Franco Colapinto likely to confirmed this week as an Alpine driver for 2026, it’s now clear to Jack Doohan that there will be no place for him at the Enstone-based team. The big question is: where does the Australian’s future lie?

It has been a difficult season for Doohan. He began the year as Pierre Gasly’s teammate but was quickly moved back to a reserve role, with Colapinto taking his seat and now looking almost certain to partner Gasly again next year. A bitter pill for Doohan, who had held on to hope a second chance might have come his way.

Doohan explores options elsewhere

It remains uncertain whether Doohan still has a contract with Alpine beyond this season, or if he will become a free agent. In any case, the Australian is exploring possibilities within the Formula 1 paddock, with enquiries made, either by him or his management, at Cadillac, Haas, Sauber, and Williams, just as most drivers do to keep track of opportunities potentially opening elsewhere.

All seats on the 2026 grid are now taken, except for three between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, and the 22-year-old is not in contention for those. As such, a test and reserve role appears the most realistic scenario for Doohan next year, likely in the hope of securing a full-time F1 drive in 2027.

Jack Doohan in action for Alpine - Photo: RacePictures

Doohan needs the race mileage

For a young driver like Doohan, getting race mileage is essential. It’s worth noting that in 2024 he only completed testing duties for Alpine, aside from one Grand Prix appearance. In 2025 he managed six races, and for 2026 he is unlikely to have any.

Three years without meaningful race experience will not make him a desirable option for F1 teams. It’s therefore easy to imagine that Doohan is considering other series in a bid to stay competitive.

Various outlets have suggested a move to Super Formula, while some reserve drivers have turned to endurance racing, such as the Le Mans Series or IMSA.

In any case, another season spent entirely on the sidelines would not be a wise move for the Australian driver.

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