Jack Doohan’s tenure as a full-time driver at Alpine was cut short following his demotion after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto taking over for the next five races. This decision came after only six races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, sparking discussions about his performance in comparison to former teammate Pierre Gasly. The cryptic comparison was notably highlighted by Doohan’s father, Mick Doohan, who shared insights into his son‘s results against the French driver.
Alpine had signed Franco Colapinto from Williams F1 on a multi-year contract before the season, impressed by his second-half performance during the previous year. This move increased pressure on Jack Doohan, the rookie who made his F1 debut after replacing Esteban Ocon at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite some promising flashes, including outqualifying Gasly at Miami, Doohan’s race ended prematurely due to a first-lap incident with Liam Lawson. These moments framed Alpine’s decision to adjust their driver lineup early in the season.
Mick Doohan’s Instagram Story subtly compared his son’s race finishes and qualifying stats against Pierre Gasly’s over six races, underlining the challenges Doohan faced. This public comparison has stirred debate on whether Jack will return to a full-time seat. Sky Sports F1 expert Craig Slater expressed skepticism about Doohan’s immediate comeback, highlighting the competitive and uncertain nature of Formula 1 seats.
“While Jack Doohan remains in contention for a return, the reality is it will be a tough road ahead,”
Slater noted during a recent Sky F1 broadcast.
Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting a best-case scenario where Doohan could capitalize on opportunities to regain his place. The young Aussie driver, who continues with Alpine as a reserve, now faces a critical period to prove his potential amidst fierce competition.
Jack Doohan’s journey reflects the challenges rookies encounter when stepping into Formula 1’s high-pressure environment. His comparisons with Pierre Gasly, a more experienced teammate, emphasize the delicate balance teams seek between nurturing new talent and securing consistent results. As Alpine moves forward, Doohan’s next steps could shape his future in the sport, with reserve duties providing a platform to refine his skills and await another chance at the grid.
