Alpine’s new season driver Jack Doohan appeared unwell following the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. Having faced multiple challenges during the race weekend, Doohan found himself in a distressing situation upon its conclusion. Struggling to exit his car, he initially sought help from a mechanic before Esteban Ocon, a rival and former Alpine driver, recognized the urgency and stepped in to assist him. The incident, captured and circulated on social media, highlighted a moment of camaraderie in the competitive world of Formula 1.
During the qualifying session on Saturday, Doohan endured a disappointing Q1 exit, laying the foundation for a challenging race on Sunday. He finished the race in the 15th position without securing any points. Rumors of Doohan’s compromised health during the race were fueled by footage showing his struggle to leave the car when it lined up in the pit lane post-race, emphasizing the intensity of the competition and the physical toll it takes on drivers.
Esteban Ocon’s intervention was particularly noteworthy given his history with Alpine, the team Doohan had recently joined after replacing Ocon. Despite their competitive relationship, Ocon’s actions underlined the sportsmanship that exists within F1. After guiding Doohan to the team garage safely, Ocon brought attention not only to the health concerns of drivers but also to the unspoken brotherhood on the circuit.
Earlier that weekend, the Japanese Grand Prix proved challenging for Doohan in more ways than one. During the second practice session, he experienced a significant crash after a tactical miscalculation with his DRS system. Attempting to navigate turn 1 with the DRS flaps open—a risky maneuver practiced in simulations—resulted in a high-speed collision with the barriers. Fortunately, Doohan emerged unscathed, a testament to the safety advancements in modern F1 cars.
The unfortunate string of incidents continued the narrative of Doohan’s fledgling 2025 season, with crashes in Australia and a modest 13th place finish in China adding to the mounting pressure. Speculation regarding his future at Alpine has intensified, with reports suggesting the team might consider replacing him with reserve driver Franco Colapinto should his performance not align with expectations in the season’s first half.
In response to the incidents, Doohan acknowledged the simulator misjudgment and the learning curve associated with his decision-making process in high-pressure scenarios. Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes corroborated Doohan’s account, pointing to the importance of simulator trials and their limitations in replicating real-world conditions.
Thus far, Doohan remains without points across three races, drawing attention to the challenges young drivers face in the intense world of Formula 1. While his potential is evident, the need to adapt quickly and avoid costly errors will be imperative for his continued presence within the team and the broader competition.
The events following the Japanese Grand Prix have not only highlighted the ongoing physical demands faced by F1 drivers but have also underscored the subtle yet significant alliances formed within the sport. Esteban Ocon’s timely assistance shone a light on the dual nature of competitive rivalry and mutual respect that characterizes Formula 1.
These developments may potentially signal a turning point in Doohan’s career if he harnesses the experiences of the Japanese Grand Prix as opportunities for growth. As the season progresses, the young driver’s response to the pressures of top-tier motorsport will be closely watched by both fans and the Alpine team, with his future hinging on his ability to convert challenges into success.
