Jack Doohan’s brutal departure continues
to make waves. His father breaks his silence and bluntly attacks Alpine.
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The story between
Jack Doohan and
Alpine was only a flash… but a flash heavy with
tension. Promoted to Formula 1 at the very end of the 2024 season,
the Australian nevertheless seemed to embody the future of the
French team’s youth program, of which he was one of the first
faces.
But from the very beginning of the
2025 season, doubt set in. The arrival of Franco
Colapinto as a reserve driver quickly cast a shadow
on the stability of Doohan’s seat, weakening a position
that had only just been acquired.
Despite a confirmed race seat at the start of the
championship, the internal climate already seemed geared toward a
change. A situation which, according to those close to him, would have made his
mission almost impossible from the first races.
A rapid eviction that causes controversy
The axe fell after only six Grands Prix. Alpine then
decided to proceed with a replacement, relegating Jack Doohan to
a reserve role before a final separation in early
2026.
A brutal decision that continues to cause misunderstanding,
starting with that of his father, Mick Doohan.
“I can’t really comment, but I think
it was unfair. It was the case from the start. They replaced a
driver before the season even began.”
The former motorcycle world champion goes even further by mentioning
a breach of trust: “My son had a long-term
contract. He was the first Alpine junior to reach F1.
It was clear, for reasons I cannot mention, that
another direction had been chosen.”
A rebuilding far from Alpine
Despite this difficult episode, Jack Doohan was quick to
bounce back. Now involved in other competitions, he continues
to forge his path with determination, notably in endurance where he
recently distinguished himself in Barcelona.
At the same time, he remains connected to Formula 1 by joining
Haas as a reserve driver. A valuable opportunity
to keep a foot in the paddock and hope for a full-time
return in the future.
His father remains confident about the future. “Jack
is a strong young man. He is currently racing in Barcelona and
continues to move forward. He is now with Haas, in a team
more committed to its contracts.”
Alpine weakened by its choices?
This episode adds to a series of contested decisions
from Enstone. The management of young drivers, in particular,
is increasingly questioned in the paddock, as stability
has become a key performance factor in Formula 1.
While Alpine displays high ambitions, this type of management
could harm its long-term image, especially among
up-and-coming young talents. The Doohan affair, far from being trivial,
could well leave lasting marks on the team’s reputation.
One thing is certain: behind this case, Alpine’s entire
sporting strategy is now being closely scrutinized.