Jack Doohan, the Australian driver from Alpine Formula 1 team, had a dramatic crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, sending shockwaves through the Suzuka International Circuit on Friday. As his car collided with the barriers at Turn 1, concerns over his safety emerged quickly, though he soon reassured the team via radio, asking with uncertainty, “What happened?”
Initial impressions from the Sky F1 broadcast team suggested that driver error wasn’t to blame, but Alpine has confirmed that the mishap resulted from Doohan’s failure to close the DRS flap, a strategic move he had been practicing in simulations. Post-crash, after medical checks showed no injuries, team principal Oliver Oakes labeled the event as a ‘misjudgement.’ Sharing updates on social media, Alpine confirmed extensive overnight repairs to Doohan’s car, identifying all components except the power unit as replaced and ready for Saturday’s sessions.
The crash quickly set a challenging stage for both Alpine and the 22-year-old Doohan. Reduced to just four practice laps on Friday, his predicament was compounded by missing FP1, allowing reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa to take the wheel. Further complicating matters, several additional red flags disrupted the remaining sessions, partly due to unexpected grass fires nearby.
In Saturday’s FP3, Doohan returned to the A525 on track but grappled with performance issues, ultimately qualifying 19th for Sunday’s race and facing another Q1 elimination. The environment was tense as teams adjusted their strategies amidst frequent interruptions, amplifying the pressure on Alpine and Doohan to adapt swiftly.
The incident with Jack Doohan raises important questions about race tactics and car reliability under pressure. Alpine’s swift assurance of the car’s readiness highlights their commitment to overcoming unexpected setbacks and ensuring preparedness for future sessions. As the racing world anticipates upcoming rounds, all eyes remain on how Doohan will navigate these challenges to improve his standings.
