Full Breakdown
Jack Doohan Parts Ways with Alpine F1 Team Ahead of 2026 Season
1/13/2026, 8:22:41 PM
Departure Announcement and Background
Jack Doohan, the Australian driver and first graduate of the Alpine Academy to secure a Formula 1 race seat, has officially parted ways with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team ahead of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season. This decision follows a challenging tenure where Doohan made his Grand Prix debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but struggled to secure competitive results, leading to his demotion to a reserve driver role in 2025.
Performance and Demotion
Doohan's stint in Formula 1 was brief, consisting of just seven races, during which he failed to score any points. His best finish was 13th at the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23, 2025. Following a series of underwhelming performances, including outqualifying teammate Pierre Gasly only twice, Alpine opted to replace him with Franco Colapinto, who also did not score points but had significant financial backing. Doohan's demotion was described as a "tough one" for him to accept, as he reverted to a reserve role for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Official Statements and Future Prospects
Alpine confirmed the mutual agreement to terminate Doohan's contract, allowing him to pursue other career opportunities. The team expressed gratitude for his commitment and professionalism over the past four years, stating, "The team would like to thank Jack for his commitment and professionalism to the team for the past four years, both on and off track, and wishes him all the best for the future." Doohan is reportedly considering a move to Japan's Super Formula championship, potentially with Kondo Racing, although his recent testing performance raised concerns after he crashed multiple times at the same corner during a Suzuka test.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite his early promise, Doohan's performance did not meet the expectations set by Alpine management. Critics have pointed out that his limited experience in Formula 1 may have hindered his ability to showcase his full potential. The decision to part ways with Doohan reflects the team's need for drivers who can deliver results in a highly competitive environment.
What's Next for Alpine
As the 2026 season approaches, Alpine has retained Paul Aron as a reserve driver, while Colapinto and Pierre Gasly will continue as the primary race drivers. The team is preparing for pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30, 2026, ahead of the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, on March 6-8, 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Alpine’s statement in full “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.” — BWT Alpine Formula One Team
- “Jack became the first member of the Alpine Academy to graduate into a race seat with the team when he made his Grand Prix debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.” — BWT Alpine Formula One Team
Doohan's departure marks a significant shift for both the driver and the Alpine team as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
