Jack Doohan’s Formula 1 debut has sparked heated debate after the Australian rookie finished a modest 15th at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer offered measured praise, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko pulled no punches, stating, “There should have been more.”
Doohan’s debut came earlier than expected, replacing Esteban Ocon after his abrupt move to Haas. Despite limited preparation, the 21-year-old expressed mixed emotions, admitting disappointment with his last-place qualifying result but declaring himself “super happy with the whole experience.” However, Alpine’s faith in their rookie is already being questioned, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto waiting in the wings and rumors swirling about an early-season swap.
Marko’s critique and Palmer’s defense
Marko’s damning verdict on Doohan’s performance contrasts sharply with Palmer’s more forgiving take. Speaking on the Chequered Flag podcast, Palmer noted, “He didn’t do a lot, did he? But he didn’t do a lot wrong either. It’s fine, it’s difficult to parachute someone in for a final race.” Palmer emphasized the challenge of debuting at Abu Dhabi with minimal preparation, adding that the real test will come during the full 2025 season.
Marko, however, was less empathetic. Known for his blunt assessments, the 81-year-old Red Bull advisor didn’t mince words, making it clear that Doohan’s performance fell short of expectations.
Alpine’s high stakes and Colapinto’s shadow
Doohan’s position is further complicated by the arrival of Franco Colapinto as Alpine’s reserve driver. The Enstone-based team reportedly paid a staggering £8.4 million for the Argentine’s services—a significant investment for a backup role. This move has fueled speculation that Alpine could replace Doohan with Colapinto early in the 2025 season, especially if the rookie struggles to deliver results.
Alpine executive director Flavio Briatore added fuel to the fire with his unapologetically ruthless stance. “The only thing we can be sure of is death!” Briatore quipped to Le Parisien. “We’ll start the year with Pierre [Gasly] and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see. If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”
This no-nonsense approach, coupled with Colapinto’s potential to attract lucrative sponsorship deals, leaves Doohan in a precarious position.
The pressure mounts for Doohan
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Doohan, who must prove himself in a fiercely competitive environment where patience is in short supply. While his Abu Dhabi debut offered valuable experience, it also highlighted the challenges of transitioning to Formula 1 without adequate preparation.
With Colapinto waiting in the wings and Alpine’s management signaling zero tolerance for underperformance, Doohan will need to hit the ground running when the 2025 season begins. For now, the spotlight is firmly on Alpine’s decision-makers and the trajectory of their rookie driver.