As the 2025 Australian Grand Prix approaches, the Australian racing prodigy, Jack Doohan, is starting to feel the heat. Making his second appearance as a full-time Formula 1 driver for Alpine, Doohan is under the microscope, with his performance being scrutinized by none other than Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s high-profile advisor.
Briatore, known for his straight-shooting approach, has made no secret of the fact that Doohan’s seat in the team is far from secure. The 21-year-old racer’s future hangs in the balance as he faces the daunting task of proving himself in the unforgiving world of Formula 1.
Doohan’s first opportunity to truly establish himself in the sport was somewhat overshadowed by the Alpine team’s offseason decision. The team signed Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver, fuelling rumours about internal competition and casting doubt on Doohan’s long-term position within the team.
Briatore, in a candid conversation with F1-Insider, made it clear that his focus is purely on talent and winning races. “Everyone is looking for talent. Only then can you win the World Championship,” he declared, adding that the stopwatch would ultimately decide Doohan’s fate. Briatore’s words serve as a stark reminder that, in the brutal world of F1, it’s the results on the track that matter.
Despite his impressive performance during his Formula 2 tenure, Doohan’s future in Formula 1 hinges on his performance in the upcoming races. Alpine’s decision to exclude Doohan from one-on-one interviews during pre-season testing in Bahrain only served to increase the speculation surrounding his position in the team.
Briatore’s return to Alpine after almost a decade and a half has raised many eyebrows. The Italian, revered for his role in the Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso eras, is now on a mission to revive the winning spirit in Enstone. He didn’t mince words when speaking about the state of the team when he returned, stating that he found a team building a car without much concern for its speed.
Now that he’s back, Briatore is determined to reignite the passion within the team. While he has appreciated Pierre Gasly’s performance and attitude, his primary focus is on ensuring both drivers are competitive, leaving Doohan with little room for error.
As the Australian Grand Prix looms, the pressure on Doohan is reaching a fever pitch. With Briatore’s no-nonsense warning ringing in his ears, it is high time for the young Australian to prove his mettle at the highest level of the sport.