Jack Doohan’s inaugural full season with Alpine in the 2025 Formula 1 championship has been marked by challenges and growing scrutiny. After five races, the Australian rookie has yet to score a point, prompting concerns about his future with the team.
Performance Overview: A Tough Start
Doohan’s season commenced with a crash on the opening lap of the Australian Grand Prix. Subsequent races saw him finish 13th in China, 15th in Japan, 14th in Bahrain, and 17th in Saudi Arabia. These results place him 19th in the Drivers’ Championship, with teammate Pierre Gasly contributing all six of Alpine’s points so far.
Notably, Doohan’s season has included incidents such as a significant crash during practice in Japan, where he collided with barriers at high speed. Despite the severity, he managed to participate in the race, finishing 15th.
Guenther Steiner’s Perspective
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has weighed in on Doohan’s situation, suggesting that Alpine may consider replacing him if performance doesn’t improve by the summer break. Steiner emphasized the importance of delivering consistent results, especially when a teammate is outperforming in the same machinery.
Potential Replacements and Internal Pressure
Alpine’s reserve driver, Franco Colapinto, has been mentioned as a possible replacement should the team decide to make a change. Additionally, team adviser Flavio Briatore has indicated that driver performance is paramount, stating that changes will be made if results aren’t forthcoming.
Doohan’s Response and Outlook
Despite the challenges, Doohan remains focused on improvement. He has acknowledged the pressure but maintains confidence in his abilities, citing comparable pace to Gasly in certain sessions.
As the season progresses, Doohan’s performance in upcoming races will be critical in determining his tenure with Alpine. Consistent finishes and potential point-scoring opportunities could solidify his position within the team.
