Tensions at the Alpine team reached a boiling point after Jack Doohan expressed intense frustration following a costly strategic error during Miami’s Sprint Qualifying. The Australian driver was eliminated in 17th place in SQ1 after a chaotic incident involving his teammate, Pierre Gasly, which prevented Doohan from completing a crucial flying lap. His anger was clear as he radioed the team, stating,
Man, that’s not acceptable, that is not acceptable.
This fallout was triggered by Gasly’s car obstructing Doohan’s path, forcing him to brake abruptly and abandon his lap to avoid a collision. The mishap not only ended Doohan’s qualifying hopes but also exposed operational errors within the Alpine team. Speaking to the media afterward, Doohan voiced his disappointment but stressed his determination to rebound during the upcoming Sprint race, emphasizing the importance of making progress despite the setback.
Beyond the immediate fallout lies a deeper uncertainty about Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine. Rumors swirl that reserve drivers Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron could take over Doohan’s seat as early as the next race in Imola. The speculation intensified when a major sponsor linked to Colapinto hinted at his return to Formula 1, fueling talk of a possible lineup change within the team.
Alpine team principal Oli Oakes remained deliberately vague when questioned about potential driver swaps. Although Oakes confirmed Doohan’s current status alongside Gasly, his unwillingness to definitively rule out future changes has left fans and insiders uneasy, adding to the growing drama surrounding Alpine’s driver roster.
The unfolding situation places enormous pressure on Jack Doohan, whose performance will be scrutinized amid swirling rumors and internal tension. As the Alpine team navigates this turbulent period, the question remains whether Doohan can overcome adversity and secure his place against the shadow of imminent seat changes. The coming races hold critical weight in what feels like a high-stakes battle for survival within the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
