Jack Doohan faced a significant scare during Friday’s FP2 at Suzuka when his Alpine F1 car collided with the barriers at turn 1. Traveling at approximately 160 mph, he hit the wall hard, causing concern as he appeared injured while heading to the medical car. Despite worries about his condition, Doohan managed to assuage fears, confirming through team radio and medics that he was indeed alright, allowing him to participate in the upcoming qualifying and race sessions.
Unfortunately for Alpine, the consequences of the crash weren’t so easily managed. This incident marked Doohan’s second major crash of the 2025 season, following a costly mistake during his debut at the Melbourne Grand Prix, which incurred a $677,000 repair bill for the team. With the Suzuka crash, the stakes rise as the repair costs swell to $1.6 million, pushing the total damages to an eye-watering $2.3 million within just three Grand Prix weekends.
The crash resulted in severe damage to Doohan’s A525, obliterating the front and rear wings, the left side of the bodywork, and both suspensions, though the power unit remained thankfully undamaged. Alpine had to work tirelessly through the night to ensure the car was ready for Saturday’s FP3 and qualifying sessions, as confirmed in a team statement. Yet, these financial burdens cast a shadow over Doohan, who finds himself atop an undesired category—the Destructors’ Championship.
The financial strain is compounded by internal pressure within Alpine. The team might have a contingency plan, as rumors indicate reserve driver Franco Colapinto could replace Doohan if he fails to improve. Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve suggested that the looming threat from Colapinto may have intensified the pressure on Doohan, possibly contributing to his costly mistake. Villeneuve noted, “He [Doohan] has been put under enormous pressure by Flavio Briatore, with Colapinto waiting in the wings.”
Despite the turmoil, Doohan’s performance in FP3 offered a glimpse of resilience. Managing 15 laps without displaying significant nervousness, he finished P14 on the timesheets. Yet, the shadow of his earlier troubles looms, as his failure to advance past Q1—finishing only 19th—leaves his Sunday Grand Prix prospects in jeopardy. This precarious position heightens the urgency for the young Australian to deliver on Sunday, both for his career and Alpine’s hopes.
The incident at Suzuka underscores the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where performance on the track often equals financial implications off it. Jack Doohan’s battle now involves not only mastering the racing circuits but also navigating the complex pressures that threaten his position. The coming races will be pivotal not just for him personally but also for a team heavily invested in both his potential and performance.
