Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft believes Alpine may prefer Franco Colapinto over Jack Doohan in pursuit of an “extra two or three percent” of performance.
Pierre Gasly’s new team-mate and the driver brought in to support the pair have been pitted against each other in a 2025 F1 grudge match before a wheel has turned in anger.
It is widely believed that Colapinto poses a significant threat to Doohan’s long-term future at Alpine, with some unfounded rumours suggesting the Australian only has a handful of races to establish himself at the start of the season.
After growing into one of the major talking points of the F1 off-season, the 22-year-old’s progress will be closely monitored across the opening grands prix of his debut campaign.
Despite the tension, Croft feels Doohan has more than earned his opportunity, but has a word of warning nonetheless.
When asked by select media including RacingNews365 if he thought the Alpine driver would hold onto his seat, he replied: “I hope so, because Jack’s done his time.
“He’s learned well, he’s very experienced. He’s won races in terms of junior categories.
“I think he’s a very good choice for Alpine, but if they are looking for that extra two or three percent they might feel that Franco Colapinto is the man to step in.”
Croft: Doohan might be Alpine’s ‘best option’
Croft was keen to stress caution over the temptation to make what might ultimately prove to be a premature switch.
Highlighting the difficulties Colapinto faced towards the end of his nine-round run with Williams last season, when he too often found the barriers, Croft suggested he may not be Alpine’s best route forward.
“Franco has got pressure himself, because after a blistering start, it didn’t always go according to plan in his subsequent races [last year],” he added.
“So he might not be the best option, Jack Doohan might be the best option. But let’s wait and see.”
