As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, the pressure builds on the hometown rookie, Jack Doohan. Ever since Alpine announced Franco Colapinto as their reserve driver for the 2025 season, there has been a lot of speculation suggesting that the Argentine driver would replace Jack mid-way through the season.
It is no secret that Jack Doohan was never Alpine’s first choice to replace Esteban Ocon. Alpine was pursuing Carlos Sainz but was forced to settle with Doohan after Sainz confirmed his contract with Williams for this year.
Jack Doohan addresses Alpine seat pressure
During the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, reporters asked Jack Doohan about Colapinto and other drivers possibly chasing his seat. To this, he replied:
“I have a contract for at least this year if not many more, I don’t have one guy chasing my seat – there are four of them, we have four reserves. I’m going to enjoy each race as if it is my last as I just want to enjoy every moment in the car.”
While there are four reserve drivers at Alpine this year, Franco Colapinto is the clear favorite for Alpine to replace Doohan if the Aussie is unable to perform in the first few races.
Jack Doohan Responds to Franco Colapinto’s Alpine Move Amidst F1 Seat Uncertainty
Back in 2021, Doohan was a Championship contender in Formula 3 when he finished 2nd in the standings. Following this, he spent two and a half seasons in Formula 2. During this time, his best finish came in his final year in the series in 2023, where he finished 3rd in the Championship. He has won 4 feature races and 2 sprint races during his time at F2.
Doohan might not have the best record out of all the rookies, but he is a solid driver and could surprise us as he prepares for his first race at home.
Last year, we saw a glimpse of Doohan’s performance at the final race in Abu Dhabi. Although he did not get an impressive result, he did what was asked of him – to not crash the car.
Helmut Marko thinks Doohan won’t last the season
Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, known for his critical stance on Formula 1 drivers, made a strong statement about Doohan ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Appearing on Red Bull’s in-house station Servus TV, Marko was asked to grade Doohan and replied: “He is a ‘C’. I don’t think he will complete the season.”
Marko clearly doesn’t think that Doohan has what it takes to compete at the level of the other drivers on the grid. So why did Alpine choose him?
Well, as stated above, Doohan was Alpine’s 2nd choice for the seat. Apart from Doohan, they didn’t have many other options. By the time Franco Colapinto’s talents became aware, it was too late, as Alpine had already chosen their driver lineup for the 2025 season.
But with Flavio Briatore joining the team late last year, anything can happen. Briatore is another version of Helmut Marko. Having worked with the best drivers the sport has offered, like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, Briatore has very high expectations from the drivers. So, the team will cut Doohan without hesitation if he does not perform.
Do you think Jack Doohan will last the season with Alpine? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
