Alpine’s rookie sensation, Jack Doohan, has sidestepped speculation about his future in Formula 1 following some severe feedback from Helmut Marko. In a conversation with Servus TV, a Red Bull-owned station, Marko didn’t mince his words when assessing the new batch of racers, including Doohan.
Marko, a senior advisor for the Milton Keynes-based team, labeled Doohan as the weakest link among the newbies in F1. He even insinuated that Alpine might decide to cut its ties with the Australian before the season concludes. When asked to categorize the 22-year-old’s performance, Marko unflinchingly declared him a ‘C’. He further cast doubt on Doohan’s future by questioning his chances of completing the season.
This is not the first time Marko has voiced his disappointment with Doohan’s abilities on the track. Earlier in January, Marko expressed his dissatisfaction with Doohan’s debut at the Abu Dhabi F1 race, saying that he had anticipated more from the former Formula 2 graduate.
Despite not having participated in a Grand Prix in 2025, Doohan has been the target of speculation regarding his future in the off-season. According to some reports, Alpine’s recently signed reserve driver, Franco Colapinto, might replace Doohan during the course of the season.
Although Flavio Briatore, the team supervisor, affirmed that Doohan would begin the season with Alpine, he left the door open for future decisions by saying, “After that, we will see.”
In response to the mounting speculation, Doohan, who is preparing for his home race – the Australian Grand Prix, chose to disregard the buzz. He insisted he wasn’t preoccupied with the rumors, stating to the media, including Motorsport Week, that he had a contract for the current year and possibly beyond.
The Australian driver, born on the Gold Coast, highlighted that four other drivers were eyeing his spot on the grid. Kush Maini was recently added to Alpine’s list of reserve drivers, joining Colapinto, Paul Aron, and Ryo Hirakawa. Despite the increased competition, Doohan stressed his intent to relish his time in the Alpine car.
He dismissed the uncertainties, stating his determination to perform at his best every time he’s behind the wheel. Doohan acknowledged the reality of having four reserve drivers, including Franco, who are potentially interested in claiming his or Pierre Gasly’s seat. He admitted to desiring their places when he was a reserve driver in the previous two years.
The prevailing sentiment for Doohan is to embrace each race as if it might be his last, to fully appreciate every moment he spends in his car. This mindset, he believes, is the best way to navigate the uncertainties and pressures of the sport.
