Alpine and Jack Doohan Part Ways Ahead of 2026 Formula 1 Season
BWT Alpine Formula One Team have officially confirmed that they will not continue with Jack Doohan for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship, drawing the curtain on a short and turbulent stint for the Australian at the Enstone-based outfit.
The decision follows months of speculation and comes after what was a rapid rise — and equally rapid exit — for one of Alpine’s most prominent academy graduates.
From Alpine Academy to the F1 Grid
Doohan joined the Alpine Academy in 2022 and steadily progressed through the ranks, serving as a reserve driver in 2023 while finishing third in the Formula 2 championship that same year. His performances marked him as one of the team’s most promising young prospects.
An unexpected opportunity arrived at the end of the 2024 season when Alpine opted to part ways early with Esteban Ocon, handing Doohan his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. That appearance paved the way for a full-time seat in 2025 alongside Pierre Gasly.
A Short-Lived 2025 Campaign
Doohan’s time on the grid proved brief. After just six race weekends in 2025, Alpine made the call to replace him with Franco Colapinto, initially framing the move as a seat “rotation”.
However, the Argentinian retained the drive for the remainder of the season, while Doohan was reassigned to a test and reserve role. From that point on, his future with the team appeared increasingly uncertain.
Alpine Confirm the Split
In a statement, Alpine confirmed that the partnership had formally ended.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team confirms it has reached a mutual agreement with Jack Doohan to not continue his driving services with the team for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season and allow him to pursue other career opportunities,” the team said.
The statement also highlighted Doohan’s milestone achievement as the first Alpine Academy driver to graduate into a race seat, while thanking him for his professionalism and commitment over four years with the organisation.
What’s Next for Doohan — and Alpine?
Doohan’s next step remains unconfirmed, although he was spotted testing Super Formula machinery toward the end of 2025, suggesting a possible future outside Formula 1 — at least for now.
Alpine, meanwhile, still retain depth within their driver pool. Former Formula 2 racer Paul Aron remains on hand as a reserve option after completing multiple test and practice appearances in support of Gasly and Colapinto during 2025.
