Insiders believe that Doohan will be replaced by Colapinto.

      Two prominent figures in Formula 1 believe that Jack Doohan's time at the top of motorsport may be quite brief. While the 22-year-old Australian is certain to begin the season as Pierre Gasly’s teammate, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has not dismissed the possibility of promoting his new protégé and reserve driver Franco Colapinto by 2025.

      "Alpine has already performed comparative tests between Colapinto and Doohan," Russian F1 commentator Alexey Popov shared on his program ’Lights Go Out’. "However, Briatore frequently shares photos of Colapinto on social media, leading many to suggest that Doohan's time may be running out."

      Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is among those who believe Doohan's opportunities are limited. "What’s challenging for Doohan is that it appears the decision has already been made," he told AS Colombia. "I think it will happen. Formula 1 recognizes the significance of Colapinto’s popularity, and behind the scenes, efforts are already underway to facilitate that change."

      Montoya asserts that Argentine driver Colapinto, 21, has surpassed other participants in Alpine’s driver development program. "The drivers they have in F2 and F3 are all quite skilled," said the Colombian. "Franco was part of Williams' academy, and suddenly he got his chance to race. None of the other F2 drivers will take that seat; it will be Franco."

      Conversely, Popov is not as certain as Montoya regarding Doohan's chances of retaining his race seat throughout the 2025 season. "What I’d like to say is ‘let’s not rush’," the Russian remarked. "Let’s give it at least a few races because he will certainly be given those initial races. It's clear that nobody will remove Doohan before Melbourne."

      "After that, we’ll see how things unfold," Popov added. "But competing against Gasly will undoubtedly be challenging for him. Still, let's wait and see."