Ted Kravitz says ‘everyone knows’ ex-Red Bull junior will join 2025 F1 grid

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull and Mercedes are among the teams who have yet to confirm their line-ups for the 2025 Formula 1 season. In fact, uncertainty persists for half the grid.

The world champions looked set for 2025 in June when they handed Sergio Perez a new contract. But Perez’s spiralling form has raised doubts over whether he’ll see out the season, let alone race for the team in 2025.

This, in turn, will determine who races for RB next year. Yuki Tsunoda appears to be locked in, but Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson could race for either outfit.

Mercedes haven’t named their replacement for Lewis Hamilton, but that looks like a formality at this stage. Kimi Antonelli is 99% likely to get the seat.

Looking towards the back of the grid, Alpine haven’t signed a teammate for Pierre Gasly. Esteban Ocon is heading to Haas for next year after leaving by mutual consent.

Perhaps the biggest question marks surround Sauber/Audi, currently bottom of the championship. There are a whole host of drivers still in conversation for the spot alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

Ted Kravitz says Jack Doohan Alpine signing is inevitable

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, analyst Ted Kravitz said Jack Doohan’s impending move to Alpine had become an open secret in the paddock. Doohan, who used to be a Red Bull academy driver, has been the team’s reserve this season.

As such, newly-arrived team principal Oliver Oakes doesn’t face a ‘difficult decision’ over his line-up. He succeeded Bruno Famin during the summer break, by which point Alpine had already chosen their Ocon replacement.

Oakes will be aware of Doohan’s talents. The Australian raced for his Hitech GP team in the F3 Asia Championship in 2019, finishing second.

“Well, that’s not a very difficult decision,” Kravitz said. “That’s Jack Doohan. Everyone knows that. It’s Jack Doohan.”

How Jack Doohan compared with Mick Schumacher in private test

Alpine have previously praised Doohan for his ‘Herculean’ efforts in their simulator. In that sense, their 2025 offer is a reward for his commitment to the project.

Mick Schumacher, another of the contenders for the seat, also represents the brand, albeit in the World Endurance Championship. The German spent two years in F1 with Haas in 2021 and 2022.

Schumacher faced Doohan in a private test, and apparently had the edge on long-run pace. But the latter’s single-lap advantage may have been enough to sway Alpine.

The driver search at Enstone has been somewhat overshadowed by broader doubts over the team’s future. Alpine have agreed a deal with Mercedes that will see them relinquish their works status and become an engine customer.

And some believe that’s a gateway to a full sale further down the line. F1 hopefuls Andretti could look to buy Alpine to secure their place.