Jack Doohan Addresses Alpine’s Driver Lineup
Alpine driver Jack Doohan has resolutely responded to questions about his long-term future in Formula 1, especially in light of the team adding Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver over the off-season. The speculation about Doohan’s future has been fueled by Colapinto’s signing, which was announced as a multi-year deal, leading to rumors that Doohan might only have a few races confirmed with the team. However, Doohan, a 22-year-old who has only raced one F1 race, is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
A Familiar Position
Doohan’s situation is reminiscent of when Logan Sargeant’s position at Williams was questioned early last year. The young Australian, who made a surprise one-off appearance at the end of the 2024 season in place of Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, has been focusing on his off-season preparation. He has spent time back home in Australia and has already formed a strong bond with his new team-mate, Pierre Gasly. The duo attended the Autosport Awards last month, where they were seen sporting identical buzzcuts and joking with each other throughout the evening.
Embracing the Pressure
When asked if the reserve driver’s deal adds extra pressure going into his full rookie season, Doohan was dismissive. "No, I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver. And I think, regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world. I know when I was a go-karter, in Formula 3, Formula 2 – I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything," he said. "I don’t think necessarily, if it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cut-throat sport. But whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that – embracing it and just enjoying my Formula 1 season," he added. Doohan’s confidence and positive outlook are clear.
Addressing the Rumors
Doohan did not shy away from addressing the follow-up questions, which he found somewhat redundant. "I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year, with a long-term contract," he noted. "But no, I don’t. Maybe I should? I don’t know. I don’t really understand that as a question, but yeah, definitely not." This firm response, backed by his own experience, demonstrates his determination to not be undermined by Colapinto’s presence. The team, recognizing the sensitivity of the topic, limited further questions on the matter, indicating that they are supportive of Doohan’s position.
Alpine’s Supportive Stance
Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes has publicly stated that Doohan will get a "fair chance" to impress, which is a clear indication of the team’s commitment to him. The team’s actions during the media event at the O2 arena also show that they are not planning to "hang Doohan out to dry." Pierre Gasly, Doohan’s experienced team-mate, has also expressed his support. "I know Jack and I want him to do the best he can," Gasly said in a session with French media. "I know he’s a great person and a great driver; I’ve seen him develop and we’ve given him his chance. I won’t comment any further. As a rookie, it’s never easy to get into F1, and there’s no need to make things more complicated than they need to be."
A Stepping Stone for the Future
Colapinto’s presence and the broader structure of Alpine’s reserve driver setup, which includes Ryo Hirakawa, suggest a competitive environment. While this could add pressure, it also indicates a pathway for growth and development. Doohan’s resilience and the support of his team provide a solid foundation for his journey in Formula 1. As Gasly’s experience with Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) shows, a strong team dynamic can significantly aid a rookie’s adaptation and success in the sport. Despite the challenges, Doohan is poised to make the most of his opportunity, backed by a team that believes in his potential.
