While the French team is betting on the growth of Colapinto and Gasly as the starting duo, the Australian is set to leave his reserve role to relaunch his career
Doohan's plan includes a possible move to Toyota, where he would share a team with Luke Browning, another long-time acquaintance of the Argentine driver, since both shared a structure at Williams before he joined Alpine.
With the starting duo set and the restructuring underway, Alpine is seeking a 2026 that will serve as a relaunching point after a campaign that left more questions than joy.
After the Abu Dhabi GP, the Argentine had one more task before the end of the year: Pirelli tire tests for the 2026 season. These tests were held this morning at the Yas Marina circuit, and the native of Pilar was absent. In his place, the Indian driver Kush Maini accompanied Pierre Gasly.
As for the results, the Frenchman finished in 20th place, while the Asian driver was 22nd out of 25 participants. Meanwhile, Aron was loaned to Sauber for testing and finished second, behind Jack Crawford (Aston Martin).
Colapinto was not the only one who missed the tests, since the two main Aston Martin drivers (Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll) were also absent, George Russell (Mercedes), and Max Verstappen (Red Bull).
Alpine closed out a complicated 2025 in Formula 1, but is already moving to face the next cycle with a clear objective: to rebuild performance from the ground up. The first major certainty came with the confirmation of the starting duo for 2026: Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly will start the season together beginning with the Australian Grand Prix.
The outlook within the reserve squad, meanwhile, is undergoing changes. Paul Aron will remain the team's main alternative, while Jack Doohan has taken a path that could definitively distance him from the project in the top tier.
According to the specialized outlet Motorsport, the Australian was added at the last minute to the Super Formula tests in Suzuka, which will take place from Wednesday to Friday. If the plan succeeds, his departure from the French team would be virtually a fact.
"Doohan appears almost certain to compete in Super Formula next season, as he seeks to rebuild his career after losing his seat at Alpine F1 to Franco Colapinto after the first six races of the championship," the portal commented.
