Contentious F1 issue given 'two or three percent' verdict as tensions rise

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."