Jack Doohan remains unfazed by ongoing speculation about his position at Alpine, dismissing talk surrounding reserve driver Franco Colapinto.
Recent reports suggested that team advisor Flavio Briatore was considering replacing Doohan with Colapinto, but the rumours have quietened following indications that Alpine will retain the Australian rookie at least until the summer.
In Bahrain last weekend, whispers in the paddock suggested that Colapinto's sponsors may have missed a scheduled payment, casting doubt on his immediate prospects - and giving Doohan some extra breathing room.
When questioned about the situation in Jeddah, Doohan said, "I've tried not to think about it. We know internally what my contract situation is, and for the rest, I always knew it was bound to fluctuate. All I can focus on is what the team and I came here to do. It's good that we've shown some good things in the last four races and the rhythm is there. There are a lot of strengths to build on, and now it's just a matter of putting all that together and, for sure, we'll be able to achieve great things."
Doohan's recent performances alongside Pierre Gasly have been solid, though Gasly has been the standout, excelling in both Bahrain and Jeddah, where on Friday he even topped the timesheets in initial practice.
Briatore remarked after Bahrain that with a Mercedes engine, rather than the underpowered Renault unit, Gasly could have started on the front row.
"I said I could be world champion next year," Gasly declared on Friday, following his earlier comments about Alpine's lofty ambitions for 2026 with a customer Mercedes engine and gearbox. "So yes, I think Alpine has what it takes to fight at the front of the grid."
