Jack Doohan, the Australian driver making his rookie appearance for Alpine, stands at the precipice of pressure as the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches. Set to debut on home soil this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, Doohan faces intense scrutiny and expectations from both the team and fans. Rumors have circulated about his future and whether he has just three races to prove himself, making this season opener even more pivotal.
Doohan was promoted to the main Alpine seat following the departure of Esteban Ocon, who moved to Haas, and he made his first appearance at the F1 level during the concluding race of the 2024 season at Abu Dhabi. Finishing 15th, Doohan’s debut raised eyebrows, especially as teammate Pierre Gasly helped propel Alpine to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, showcasing the disparity between the two drivers.
With mounting pressure, Doohan’s standing is threatened by the presence of Franco Colapinto, who was signed as Alpine’s reserve driver after impressing during his stint with Williams, demonstrating both speed and potential.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 champion, commented on Doohan’s precarious situation, noting, "Doohan is under a lot of pressure because he’s been an extra driver for too many years doing testing and so basically not racing." Villeneuve cautioned, "Not racing for long, there’s always the risk you might lose your mojo and become complacent. It will be good to see how he reacts to the pressure now.”
Franco Colapinto’s tenure with Williams, marked by multiple top-10 finishes, has only fueled speculation around Doohan’s future with Alpine. Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore is notorious for his swift decision-making and has made it clear through various media statements and private meetings with Doohan, stating, "I control you every millimetre" as he outlined the pressure on the rookie driver.
Ralf Schumacher, another notable commentator from the F1 scene, pointedly remarked, "With Flavio, you know, it can be over after Australia." He underlined the need for Doohan to exceed expectations, saying, “If he doesn’t perform, it can be done quickly.” The urgency for Doohan to succeed cannot be understated as scrutiny over his ability to keep pace with Gasly rises. “He needs to be within three-tenths of Gasly. If he falls half a second behind, he will be out,” Schumacher warned.
Adding to the drama, social media dynamics have intensified the situation. Jamie Campbell-Walter, from Colapinto’s management, spoke out against the abuse directed at Doohan by fans rooting for the Argentine driver. He urged supporters to behave respectfully, maintaining, "The haters who think they help Franco are doing him more harm than good.”
Given the high stakes, Doohan seeks reassurance and backing from his team, yet the support has appeared limited. David Croft, commentator for Sky Sports F1, emphasized the need for Alpine leadership to reinforce their commitment to Doohan: “Flavio Briatore or Ollie Oakes need to come out and say ‘Doohan is our man for the year’. If they do, the speculation stops.”
Despite these pressures, Doohan seems ready to tackle the upcoming season with optimism. He acknowledged the competitive environment, stating, "There's always pressure on your shoulders because you're in such a cut-throat sport." His focus remains on performing, appreciating the support shown to him and embracing the challenges set before him.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner dismissed rumors surrounding Doohan’s precarious position as exaggerated and stressed, “If he performs, he will be fine. There will be no problem.” He urged Doohan to maintain calmness, positing, “Jack needs to stay calm, do what he’s good at, race cars, and then the performance will come.”
Looking to the future, the questions around Doohan’s career continue to linger, with many waiting to see how he performs at the Australian Grand Prix. Villeneuve succinctly stated, “He has to drive out of his skin,” emphasizing the imperative for Doohan to not only match but exceed Gasly’s performance if he hopes to keep his seat amid fierce competition from Colapinto.
With the season now underway, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Doohan as he races not just for points, but for his career—the stakes have never been higher. The narrative of this season's opening Grand Prix is set, and it’s not just about the race but the drama and potential upheaval surrounding it.