Doohan aims to 'establish' his position on the F1 grid.

      Jack Doohan expresses his determination to "secure" his position on the Formula 1 grid. Although the Australian rookie will start as Pierre Gasly’s teammate at Alpine in early 2025, Flavio Briatore clearly has significant ambitions for his new recruit, the highly regarded reserve driver Franco Colapinto. Team principal Oliver Oakes asserts that Briatore's action wasn’t intended to "pressure" Doohan, whose debut in Abu Dhabi late last season was less than impressive. However, former F1 steward Johnny Herbert remarks: "I think Jack already feels like he’s on borrowed time. When I talk to people, they share the same sentiment. Doohan needs to perform, and if he fails to measure up against Pierre Gasly, I know Flavio Briatore very well, and Doohan will be out," added Herbert, who was replaced by Briatore during his time as Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton.

      The 22-year-old Doohan, however, insists he is committed to proving to the Enstone-based team that he is worthy of a long-term spot on the grid. "I’ve admired these guys since I was a young boy, especially Lewis (Hamilton)," said Doohan, son of motorsport legend Mick. "Being one of the 20 drivers on the grid is incredibly special, and I’m eager to secure my position in the future."

      Meanwhile, the more experienced Gasly is aiming for steady improvement for Alpine this year, with the team bouncing back from a poor start to 2024 to ultimately achieve a fifth-place finish overall. "What’s the goal?" the French driver is quoted as saying by Autosprint. "I would aim for a top-five finish in the constructors’ championship - that’s my goal, and I believe it’s entirely attainable. Deep down, I aspire for even better results, but I must be realistic and I understand it will be a tightly contested and competitive midfield," Gasly added. "I don’t anticipate significant changes compared to last year."