They claim that Colapinto might have an unknown clause that would guarantee him a chance to compete

Uncertainty persists regarding the timeframe Doohan has to prove his worth in the category and secure the seat. Initially, it was speculated that he would have until the fifth date of the calendar, scheduled in Jeddah, however, in recent weeks, versions have begun to circulate indicating that a possible replacement wouldn't occur until the European summer break.

This decision would further delay Colapinto's debut, who for now is dedicated to using the simulator and car testing, but certain information still keeps the hope of seeing him race this season. British journalist Nate Saunders pointed out that there might be a contractual condition requiring the Argentine to compete officially. "As I understand it, there is a clause in Colapinto's contract that he will race at some point this year," he explained on ESPN's Unlapped podcast.

While Saunders clarified that it is only a rumor circulating in the paddock, he emphasized the figure of Flavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor and a key player in the Argentine's incorporation into the team. "There's the Briatore factor, who obviously has had an interest in Doohan's career for a while, but also is famous for being very, very ruthless when it comes to these decisions," he stated.

However, he also shared his perception regarding Doohan's current situation, indicating that the pressure on him might have decreased. "The pressure on him seems to have disappeared and he seems a bit more relaxed, a bit calmer when he talks to the media. Now, I think the internal threat seems to have dissipated, at least in the short term," he noted, also referring to the issues detected with the Australian in his public statements.

"Alpine has completely made this situation for itself. Olly Oaks has had many opportunities to close it. He never did, but yes, in Bahrain, it started to be heard. Jack has a bit more time, of which I'm still not sure, because his mistakes have been there. But yes, the threat of him leaving now seems much less than it was a couple of weeks ago," he argued.

Meanwhile, his colleague Laurence Edmondson offered a blunt analysis of Doohan's crash during the Japanese GP practice, as well as the position Alpine found itself in by incorporating Colapinto. "I think he really had a terrible weekend in Japan. Suddenly the question returns to Alpine. Are you going to keep this guy in the car or are you going for this young driver you signed with the specific reason of putting him in the car? How many of these mistakes would he be making if he didn't have Colapinto waiting behind him? The replacement for this guy is there," he reflected.

Additionally, he added: "The team can only blame itself because they were the ones who brought him. They started all this by bringing a very capable driver from a rival team. He was a Williams reserve after being with Williams last year, and they brought him for no other real reason, apparently, than to give him a chance in the car at some point this year."