Doohan camp 'composed' amidst swirling Colapinto speculation.

      "It's quite challenging for him,"

      By GMM

      19 March 2025 - 13:58

      Jack Doohan, along with his well-known father Mick, seems assured that the 22-year-old rookie will still be driving for Alpine at the close of the 2025 season. Even before the race lights turned off in Melbourne and Doohan crashed on the first lap of his debut full season in Formula 1, uncertainty loomed over his future. Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has heightened the pressure significantly, acknowledging that Doohan's race seat is not guaranteed, with the highly regarded Franco Colapinto, currently on a lucrative loan from Williams, waiting in reserve.

      "It's really demanding for him," former F1 driver Martin Brundle expressed on Britain’s Sky. "I saw a photo featuring four drivers - Pierre Gasly, him, Franco Colapinto, and Paul Aron. If I were Jack, I would think, ‘This should be a two-driver competition, not a four-driver one’."

      If Doohan was indeed feeling the intense pressure, it may have played a role in his crash during the opening lap at his home race last Sunday. He shared what his father, MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, said to him in the paddock following the crash. "He came over and I think he mentioned, 'That white line, what a pain'," Doohan smiled. "I couldn’t ask for a better person by my side who has experienced similar challenges - who has faced tough times and come back stronger," he was quoted as saying by Speed Week.

      Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes recognizes the tough position Doohan finds himself in early in his career. "I think it’s fair to say we’ve contributed to the noise," he stated. "By being candid, I believe we haven’t placed him in the most advantageous situation. But then again, we have a responsibility as a team to deliver. We have 900 people relying on us to make the right decision for the team," Oakes continued.

      However, behind the scenes, the Doohan camp might be relatively at ease regarding the situation. "Talking to Mick, he’s composed in the background," Brundle, who has been acquainted with Jack’s renowned father for many years, disclosed. "Jack has been reassured that he has a contract. But you still don’t want this weighing on your mind - I’ve been in that position, and it’s challenging. You’re always concerned about your career because it could end suddenly. Then the car begins to slide, and you feel anxious because you don’t want to crash. It just adds pressure."

      Nonetheless, Jack is contesting the idea that he has only been confirmed for the first five or six races this year. "There’s no use in pondering rumors or commenting on them," he stated. "But I have a contract for at least this year, if not longer. So I look forward to many home grand prix events." Regarding the uncertainty, Doohan added, "I don’t let myself stress about them. I believe I need to deliver every time I’m in the car."