Jack Doohan Consoled by Father Mick Doohan as Alpine Future H… read more
Jack Doohan faced another blow to his Formula 1 ambitions during the Miami Grand Prix, retiring after just half a lap due to a first-lap collision with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. As the Australian racer made his way back to the paddock, he was spotted being consoled by none other than his father, motorsport legend and five-time 500cc world champion, Mick Doohan.
The early retirement in Miami added further pressure on the young driver, whose place at the Alpine F1 team appears increasingly uncertain. Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz reported the emotional moment, stating, “Jack Doohan was very disappointed because he only lasted half a lap. Incident with a Racing Bull, and then damage and then got a puncture and out. I’ve just seen him in the paddock actually being consoled by his Dad.”
Doohan’s F1 journey has been closely followed, not just because of his famous surname, but due to his potential as a promising young talent. However, his stint with Alpine has so far failed to yield any championship points, and patience within the team appears to be wearing thin. Kravitz added, “His place is delicate enough within the team. Even though Franco Colapinto, the threat of him, seems to be gone, you never know. So, he needed to try and score a point this weekend and he hasn’t.”
The Miami GP was seen as a critical opportunity for Doohan to demonstrate his worth, particularly with growing rumours that Alpine is considering replacing him for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. These rumours gained traction after a sponsor linked to reserve driver Franco Colapinto hinted on social media that the Argentine driver would be making his Formula 1 debut at the historic Italian circuit.
Though Alpine has not officially confirmed any driver changes, speculation has intensified. Team executive Flavio Briatore has been open about his expectations for stronger performances, and the implication is clear: Doohan needed to deliver results to secure his seat. His failure to finish the Miami race only further complicates his already precarious position.
The contrast within the Alpine garage is telling. While Jack Doohan has yet to score a point since joining the team, his teammate Pierre Gasly has managed limited success, securing points in Bahrain and again in the Miami GP sprint race. Although Gasly’s performances have not been overwhelmingly strong either, his experience and occasional flashes of pace have likely kept him safe—for now.
Doohan’s struggle highlights a broader issue within Alpine’s 2025 campaign. The team has faced inconsistency, strategic missteps, and underwhelming results, contributing to their lower midfield standing. While some critics argue that Doohan hasn’t been given a fair chance in what is a difficult car, others point out that Formula 1 is a results-driven sport, and patience, particularly with rookies, is limited.
Adding emotional weight to the situation is the visible support from his father, Mick Doohan, who has been a steady presence in Jack’s racing career. Their bond was on full display in Miami, as the elder Doohan tried to lift his son’s spirits after yet another frustrating setback. It’s a stark reminder of the human side of racing—behind the technical jargon, sponsor obligations, and fierce competition lie real personal stakes and aspirations.
If Colapinto is indeed brought in for Imola, it could mark a turning point not just for Doohan’s F1 future, but for Alpine’s strategy moving forward. Colapinto, also a young and ambitious talent, has been waiting in the wings and has shown promising pace in lower categories. Bringing him into the F1 spotlight would be a gamble, but one that Alpine might be willing to take if they believe the current setup isn’t yielding the results they need.
For now, Doohan remains officially part of Alpine’s race lineup, but the pressure is mounting. The next few days could be decisive in determining whether the Australian gets another shot at proving himself or whether the curtain falls—at least temporarily—on his Formula 1 journey.
What’s clear is that Jack Doohan is at a critical juncture in his career. With a legendary name to live up to and a demanding F1 environment to navigate, he must find a way to bounce back—if not at Alpine, then perhaps somewhere else on the motorsport ladder.
