The Formula 1 world is ablaze after the recent private test at Monza, where Franco Colapinto, the young Argentinian driver for Alpine, stunned everyone with a performance that completely eclipsed Jack Doohan, his direct rival for a starting position. The Italian track, home to legends, was the stage for a duel that could change the course of the 2025 season and, possibly, the careers of both drivers.
Colapinto, 21, climbed into the 2023 Alpine A523 as part of the TPC (Test Previous Car) testing designed to evaluate reserve drivers. What no one expected was the massive gap he created over Doohan and Paul Aron, another driver from the academy. According to rumors circulating like wildfire in the paddock, the Argentine not only beat Aron by half a second in short runs, but in race simulations he also gained seven-tenths of a second per lap. Although the conditions were not identical, Colapinto’s superiority was undeniable, sparking a storm of speculation about Doohan’s future.
The Australian, who made his debut this season alongside Pierre Gasly, is not going through his best moment. His accident at Suzuka, where he destroyed his car after failing to engage the DRS at the first corner, cost Alpine over a million euros and cast doubt on his ability to handle the pressure. Added to this, his mediocre results—15th in Japan after starting 19th—have not convinced Flavio Briatore, the Alpine advisor who is quick to make changes to optimize the team. “I want the best drivers, be it Colapinto, Doohan, or whoever,” Briatore declared, making it clear that no one has a guaranteed spot.
Monza wasn’t just a test for Colapinto; it was a statement of intent. The Argentine, who already surprised fans in 2024 with Williams by scoring points on circuits as demanding as Baku, showed he’s ready to make the leap. His charisma and the support of a fervent Latin American fan base also make him a sales magnet, something that doesn’t go unnoticed by the teams. Meanwhile, Doohan, visibly affected by Colapinto’s shadow, struggles to maintain his composure. “I know he’s there, but I’m focused on my job,” he said, although his body language tells a different story.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, next on the calendar, will be decisive. If Doohan fails to shine, the door could open for Colapinto in Saudi Arabia or even Miami, where strong support from Argentine sponsors is expected. F1, always relentless, does not forgive a lack of results, and Colapinto knows it. With his talent and ambition, he is ready to take the wheel and write his name in history. Will this be the end for Doohan at Alpine? Only time and the track will tell, but one thing is certain: Colapinto does not intend to wait much longer.
