F1 statement issued amid claims driver could be 'sacked' before the 2025 season begins

A statement has been issued after rumours of a Formula 1 driver being axed ahead of the 2025 season.

The upcoming campaign promises to be a classic, with many changes made to the driver lineup compared to last year.

Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari will dominate headlines but the likes of Nico Hulkenberg, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon have also swapped teams.

Meanwhile, six F1 rookies in the shapes of Liam Lawson, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar are set to get a taste of their first full season in the pinnacle of motorsports.

However, heading into the new campaign, doubt over the long-term future of Alpine driver Doohan, who is set to partner Pierre Gasly, has emerged.

Due to the impressive performances put in by Franco Colapinto at Williams. the Argentine was heavily linked with a move to Alpine, which would mean Doohan would lose his seat.

Jack Doohan faces an uncertain long-term future in Formula 1. Image: Getty

In a bid to clarify the situation, Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore declared that Doohan will be starting the season alongside Gasly, but failed to confirm his long-term future.

Briatore said, as per Pit Pass: "We'll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we'll see as the season progresses.

"I have to get the team in the right condition to get results and the driver is the one who has to conclude the work of nearly a thousand people behind him."

He added: "Everyone works for just two people. If there's a driver who isn't making progress, who isn't bringing me results, I change him. You can't be emotional in F1."

On Thursday afternoon, Alpine announced that Colapinto will join the team as the reserve driver.

A statement from the team read: "BWT Alpine Formula One Team today announces it has entered into an agreement with Williams Racing to secure the services of Franco Colapinto on a multi-year deal.

"The 21-year-old Argentinian driver will take up the role of Test and Reserve Driver for the upcoming 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, further adding to the existing pool of talent the team can call upon for driving services throughout the season."

The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.