Jack Doohan‘s contract remains intact as the Australian rookie finds himself at the center of intense speculation with replacement rumours casting a shadow over his future with Alpine F1.
As the Formula One world gears up for the 2025 F1 season opener at the Australian Grand Prix, all eyes are on Alpine’s newest signing set to make his F1 debut as a full-time driver in his home country.
Despite confirmation that Jack Doohan’s contract with Alpine is set to last for “at least this year,” speculation about his longevity in the seat has reached fever pitch following Helmut Marko’s brutal remarks as multiple reserve drivers wait in the wings to potentially replace him.
However, Doohan himself appears to be maintaining a positive outlook despite the swirling rumors and intense pressure.
Jack Doohan’s Journey to F1
Jack Doohan, son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, has steadily climbed the ranks of motorsport.
Starting his career in karting at the age of nine, he transitioned into junior formulae and eventually made his mark in FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2. His standout performances included three race wins in the 2023 F2 season where he finished third overall.
These achievements earned him a spot in Alpine’s driver development program and later as a reserve driver for the team in 2023 and 2024.
Doohan made his F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon. Although the young driver finished 15th, the experience was meant to prepare him for a full-time role in 2025 F1 season.
Alpine subsequently promoted him to partner Pierre Gasly for the upcoming season, but recent developments have cast doubt on whether Jack Doohan’s contract will see the end of the year.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Melbourne Debut
The Australian Grand Prix marks a critical moment for Doohan, not just as his first full-season race but also as a test of his ability to fend off mounting replacement threats.
Rumours began circulating after Jack Doohan’s contract with Alpine was reported to only cover the first few races of the 2025 F1 season. This comes after the team claimed he only has five races to prove himself before facing replacement
The short-term arrangement has led to widespread speculation that the team is keeping its options open, potentially looking to replace him if he fails to meet expectations early in the season.
Franco Colapinto: A Looming Threat
The pressure on Doohan is further intensified by Alpine’s decision to sign Franco Colapinto as their reserve driver.
The Argentine driver demonstrated exceptional skill during his nine-race stint with Williams last year, scoring points in two races and earning praise for his adaptability and speed under pressure.
READ ALSO: Reigniting Argentina’s F1 Legacy: Who is Franco Colapinto?
Colapinto will be on standby for Alpine at both the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix. With significant backing from sponsors and growing support within Alpine’s management, he is poised to step into the race seat should Doohan falter early in the season.
Alpine’s reserve lineup doesn’t stop with Colapinto; it also includes Estonian Paul Aron, Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, and Indian Formula 2 star Kush Maini.
With four drivers contending for an opportunity to step into an F1 seat, Doohan faces immense pressure to deliver consistent performances from the outset.
Helmut Marko’s Brutal Assessment
Adding fuel to the fire, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently branded Doohan as a “C-rate” driver during an interview.
Marko expressed doubts about Doohan’s ability to last through the season, predicting that Alpine may replace him after only a few races if he fails to impress.
Appearing on Red Bull’s in-house station Servus TV, Marko was asked to grade Doohan and replied: “He is a ‘C’. I don’t think he will complete the season.”
The harsh critique has further amplified speculation whether Jack Doohan’s contract with Alpine was a wrong move.
Doohan Responds to Speculation
Despite the swirling rumours, Jack Doohan remains outwardly unfazed. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, he acknowledged the competition but emphasized his focus on delivering strong performances.
“I haven’t been thinking about any of that because, as you all know, there’s no point thinking about rumours or commenting on them,” he told media including Racetrackmasters.
“But I have a contract for at least this year, if not more. So, I look forward to many home grands prix.
“And the uncertainties? You don’t bother worrying about them. I have to perform each and every time I’m in the car.
“I have one guy chasing my seat, but we actually have four now, if you didn’t realise, we have four reserves. You have all four of them, not just Franco, [who] probably wants my seat and if not, Pierre’s [Gasly] as well.
“And I wanted their seats while I was reserve driver the last two years. So, I’m going to enjoy, to be honest, every race as if it’s my last because I want to enjoy each and every moment I’m in the car.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Jack Doohan as he prepares for his first race at Albert Park this Sunday. The Australian Grand Prix will serve as more than just a homecoming; it will be an audition under intense scrutiny from fans, pundits, and Alpine management alike.
