Jack Doohan insists he is not feeling additional pressure despite increasing speculation surrounding Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto's future prospects.
Rumours of Colapinto potentially replacing Doohan have intensified, particularly after it was revealed that the Argentine's sponsor, Mercado Libre, will appear on Alpine's 2025 livery.
The connection has raised questions about whether Colapinto is being positioned for a race seat sooner rather than later.
However, Doohan was unimpressed when repeatedly asked about Colapinto during a media session on Tuesday.
"Is that supposed to be a question?" he quipped when pressed on the matter. "I don't really understand that as a question."
With multiple journalists pushing the topic, Doohan remained firm in his response when asked if he feels additional pressure.
"No. I was told that he is only a reserve driver," the Australian stated.
At that point, Alpine's press officer stepped in to shut down further discussion on the issue.
"I think we have already dealt with the Franco issues. Let's move on to something else," they interjected.
Meanwhile, Doohan's teammate Pierre Gasly was also asked if he believes the 22-year-old should be concerned about his seat.
"Honestly, I have no comment to make on that," Gasly said.
"I know Jack, I want him to do the best he can, I know he's a good person and a really good driver," he added. "It's never easy to get to F1, and there's no need to make things more difficult than they have to be."
Gasly also shared his thoughts on Alpine's approach to the 2025 car, given that the current regulations cycle ends after this season.
"If it were up to me, all the available funds would go to the 2026 car," he admitted.
"But I'm not responsible for the budget.
"What's certain is that eighth, ninth, tenth places don't move me."
The 29-year-old believes Doohan may actually benefit from the current situation, as his technical feedback will not significantly impact Alpine's long-term plans.
"The advantage for Jack is that with the end of the regulations, our technical feedback will not affect next year's car," Gasly explained.
"In that respect, it takes a little pressure off him as he can just concentrate on driving."
