Mick Doohan Shares “Proof” His Son Jack Deserved to k… read more
Racing icon Mick Doohan has publicly defended his son Jack Doohan after the young Australian driver was axed from his Formula 1 seat at Alpine. In a passionate social media post, Mick, a five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion, shared what he called “proof” that his son deserved to remain on the F1 grid.
For Mick Doohan, who dominated the motorcycle Grand Prix circuit in the 1990s with five consecutive world titles, motorsport excellence is more than just talk—it’s a legacy. His impressive track record and long-standing status in the racing community have given weight to his opinions, particularly when it comes to the career of his 21-year-old son. From an early age, Mick supported Jack’s journey through the junior racing categories, helping him reach the prestigious—and fiercely competitive—world of Formula 1. But that dream took a significant hit when Alpine announced on May 7, 2025, that Jack would be demoted from his F1 race seat and returned to his previous role as the team’s reserve driver.
Taking his place, at least temporarily, is Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, a rising talent from within Alpine’s development ranks. The move sparked immediate debate among F1 fans and pundits, with many questioning whether Doohan was given a fair shot to prove himself in the 2025 season. Mick Doohan, clearly among those who believe his son was short-changed, took to Instagram to share data, race comparisons, and behind-the-scenes insights that painted Jack in a much more favorable light than recent results might suggest.
In his post, Mick outlined how Jack had been driving under immense pressure ever since Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore publicly touted Colapinto’s potential before the 2025 season even began. That announcement put Doohan in a difficult spot mentally, with speculation about his future mounting before he even had a chance to prove himself on track. The season opener only added to his woes: not only was it his home Grand Prix in Australia, but Jack also failed to finish the race, a heartbreaking blow in front of a home crowd and possibly a critical factor in Alpine’s decision.
Despite the rough start, Mick argued that his son’s pace, racecraft, and technical feedback were on par with or better than many of his peers. He shared comparative lap time data, qualifying stats, and testimonials from engineers that reportedly highlight Jack’s contributions to car development. According to Mick, Jack played a significant role in improving Alpine’s mid-season setup last year, something that has been largely overlooked in recent commentary.
Yet the decision appears to be driven by more than just performance. With Alpine currently under pressure to revive its fortunes and return to the midfield battle, the team has made it clear that results are paramount. The inclusion of Colapinto—though not confirmed for the entire season—is part of a high-stakes strategy to push the team forward, even if it means cycling through talent at a rapid pace. In a curious twist, Colapinto’s promotion is only guaranteed for five races, with a performance review set for the British Grand Prix. That clause suggests Alpine is not fully committed to the Argentine driver and could reconsider their options if he fails to meet expectations.
It’s an unusual arrangement, one that raises questions about Alpine’s long-term vision and its treatment of young drivers. Mick Doohan made this point in his post, noting that such instability can hinder rather than help a young talent develop. “How can any young driver perform under these conditions?” he wrote. “Jack has delivered results before, and with the right support, he would have continued to improve.”
Many in the F1 community seem to agree. Online forums and social media platforms have lit up with fans expressing sympathy for Jack, while others question the wisdom of such a short-term driver evaluation strategy. A few former drivers have also weighed in, suggesting that Alpine may have acted prematurely in sidelining Doohan after just one race in 2025.
Whether Colapinto thrives or falters under the spotlight remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Jack Doohan’s story in Formula 1 may not be over. With his father’s public backing and a fanbase rallying behind him, Jack could yet return to a race seat—at Alpine or elsewhere. For now, he will continue in his role as reserve driver, biding his time and waiting for the next opportunity to prove himself once again.
Would you like a graphic or post layout for social media to go along with this?
