Some within the Formula 1 paddock believe Jack Doohan's time in the sport could be very short-lived, with rising speculation that Franco Colapinto may take his Alpine seat before the end of 2025.
While the 22-year-old Australian is set to start the season as Pierre Gasly's teammate, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has left the door open for Colapinto—who recently joined as the team's reserve driver—to be promoted later in the year.
"Alpine have already conducted comparative tests between Colapinto and Doohan," Russian F1 commentator Alexey Popov revealed on his show Lights Go Out.
"But Briatore is constantly posting photos of Colapinto on his social channels, and many are already saying that Doohan's song is sung."
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is among those who believe Doohan's seat is already in jeopardy.
"The difficult thing for Doohan is that from the outside, it seems like the decision has already been taken," he told AS Colombia. "I think it will happen.
"I think Formula 1 saw how important Colapinto's popularity is, and in the background, Formula 1 is already helping for it to happen."
Montoya pointed out that the 21-year-old Argentine has rapidly overtaken every other member of Alpine's driver development program.
"The drivers they have in F2, in F3, are all very good drivers," he noted.
"Franco was at Williams, in the Williams academy, and suddenly he had the chance to race. Now, none of those drivers in F2 will get the seat—it will be Franco."
However, Popov isn't convinced that Doohan will be replaced so quickly, suggesting he will at least have the opportunity to prove himself in the early part of the season.
"What I want to say is 'let's not rush'," said the Russian. "Let's wait at least a few races. Because he will definitely get these few races. No one will drop Doohan before Melbourne—that's clear.
"After that, we'll see how it goes," he continued. "But against Gasly, of course, it will be difficult for him. Nevertheless, let's see."
