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Is Jack Doohan being dropped by Alpine? Reports emerge of F1 axing

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The Sporting News
4h ago
Is Jack Doohan being dropped by Alpine? Reports emerge of F1 axing

Context:

Jack Doohan's tenure with the Alpine Formula 1 team is reportedly coming to an end after just six races into the 2025 season, with multiple outlets such as Sky Sports and the BBC suggesting his imminent removal. The 22-year-old Australian driver, who has failed to score points this season, experienced multiple mishaps including a crash during his debut in Australia and another accident in Miami. Franco Colapinto, Alpine's reserve driver, is expected to replace Doohan, as speculation about Doohan's performance compared to his teammate Pierre Gasly, who has scored seven points, has been ongoing. Despite the rumors, Alpine's team principal Oliver Oakes has attempted to quell talks of driver changes, affirming Doohan's current position alongside Gasly. The situation highlights the pressures and performance expectations within Formula 1, particularly for new drivers like Doohan who are transitioning from reserve roles to full-time racing seats.

Dive Deeper:

  • Jack Doohan's start in Formula 1 has been challenging, and reports indicate that Alpine plans to part ways with him after six races in the 2025 season due to performance issues.

  • Doohan's performance has been under scrutiny as he is one of four drivers yet to score points this season, with his best finish being 13th place in China.

  • Incidents marking his F1 journey include a crash on the opening lap in Australia and another first-lap retirement in Miami, which have contributed to Alpine's decision to consider replacing him.

  • Amidst these developments, Franco Colapinto, who previously competed in nine races for Williams, is positioned to take over Doohan's seat following his struggles with teammate Pierre Gasly's superior performance.

  • Despite the circulating rumors, Alpine's team principal Oliver Oakes has publicly downplayed the likelihood of immediate driver changes, asserting Doohan's current role within the team.

  • Doohan initially joined Alpine as part of their academy and progressed to a full-time seat after serving as their F1 reserve driver for two seasons, replacing Esteban Ocon.

  • The situation reflects the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, where driver performance is closely monitored, and team decisions can quickly change based on race outcomes and comparisons with teammates.

  • It's been a tough start to life in Formula 1 for Jack Doohan.

  • Now, just six races into the season, Alpine look set to part ways with the Australian driver.

  • Reports: Jack Doohan axed by Alpine F1 team

    As reported by multiple outlets, including Sky Sports and the BBC, Doohan will lose his seat before the next Grand Prix in Imola. 

  • The 22-year-old is one of four drivers on the grid yet to score points in 2025.

  • MORE: F1 updated standings

  • After several years in Alpine's academy and two seasons as their F1 reserve driver, Doohan was promoted to a full-time seat following Esteban Ocon's exit.

  • He crashed out on the opening lap in Australia – his F1 debut – before damaging the car again during practice in Japan. 

  • Doohan suffered another first-lap retirement in the recent Miami GP, colliding with Liam Lawson.

  • A 13th-place finish in China marks his best effort to date.

  • Jack Doohan

Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto is set to step in as Doohan's replacement.

  • Rumours have swirled all season that the Australian was at risk of being dropped if he didn't stack up to teammate Pierre Gasly, who has amassed seven points so far.

  • Doohan out-qualified Gasly for the first time this year in Miami.

  • Colapinto, meanwhile, started in nine races for Williams last year after taking over from the struggling Logan Sargeant.

  • Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes downplayed talks of any potential driver movement at the weekend.

  • "As it is today, Jack is our driver along with Pierre [Gasly]," he said.

  • "We've been pretty clear on that. We always evaluate, but yeah, today, that is the case."

  • Jack Doohan 2025 results

    Grand Prix Finish
    Australia DNF
    China 13
    Japan 15
    Bahrain 14
    Saudi Arabia 17
    Miami DNF