Breaking: Alpine parts ways with Jack Doohan ahead of 2026 F1 season
Alpine has confirmed it will not retain Jack Doohan for the 2026 FIA formula One World Championship,ending a four-year association between the Australian driver and the Renault-owned outfit.
The 22-year-old racer logged six Grands Prix with Alpine at the start of the previous season before being replaced by Argentine Franco Colapinto. Doohan continued with the team in a reserve capacity for the remainder of the year.
The squad said it had reached a mutual agreement with Doohan to part ways for the 2026 season so he can pursue other career opportunities. Alpine thanked him for his dedication and professionalism on and off track and wished him well for the future.
In the driver lineup, Colapinto will continue as a race driver alongside Frenchman Pierre Gasly, with estonian Paul Aron retained as a reserve. The team’s pre-season program moves forward with a focus on the all-new chassis and engine designs introduced under the new regulations.
Pre-season testing begins at Circuit de Barcelona-CCatalunya from January 26 to 30, with a private session permitting three days of running to evaluate the new machinery. The calendar adds two additional three-day tests in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20, ahead of the season-opening race in Melbourne on March 6-8.
Evergreen context: Driver shifts like this are a common prelude to a season overshadowed by sweeping rule changes. The emphasis on testing windows highlights how teams validate revamped chassis and power units before heavy competition begins.Alpine’s approach underscores a broader trend of balancing established talent with rising prospects to maximize performance across the 24-race calendar.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure | Jack Doohan leaves Alpine for the 2026 season |
| Past role | Six Grands Prix with Alpine at the start of the previous season |
| Current status | Doohan departs driving duties; remains open to new opportunities |
| Lineup | Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly as race drivers; Paul Aron as reserve |
| Testing schedule | barcelona tests Jan 26-30; Bahrain tests Feb 11-13 and Feb 18-20 |
| Season opener | Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Mar 6-8 |
What’s next for Alpine will hinge on how Colapinto integrates with Gasly and how the team leverages the new regulations through testing. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the squad tunes its car for a challenging 24-race year.
Share your take: Do you expect Alpine to maximize the pairing of Colapinto and Gasly, or will rising star status shift the team’s strategies? Which testing session do you think will most influence Alpine’s pace in Melbourne?
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