Alpine F1 Team Faces Backlash as Jack Doohan’s Competence is Questioned
In a shocking turn of events during the Formula 1 2025 Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Alpine F1 Team is under intense scrutiny following Jack Doohan’s harrowing crash at Suzuka. The Australian driver’s high-speed collision with the tyre barrier during a practice session has raised serious doubts about the team’s supervision and Doohan’s capabilities behind the wheel.
The incident, where Doohan failed to deactivate his DRS while hurtling into Turn 1 at 200mph, left both fans and experts baffled. Despite miraculously escaping unhurt, the crash severely impacted Doohan’s performance, leading to a disappointing 15th place finish at Suzuka.
Speculation is rife that Alpine’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, is eyeing an opportunity to replace Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto, especially after the team paid a hefty sum of £17 million to secure Colapinto’s services. Doohan, who has been grappling with a turbulent start to his F1 career, is now facing immense pressure to prove his worth amidst rumors of his impending replacement.
Following the incident, Doohan admitted, “It was a heavy one, something that caught me by surprise, and I will learn from it.” Alpine team principal, Oliver Oakes, attributed the crash to Doohan’s failure to close the DRS, emphasizing the need to learn from the misjudgment.
While Alpine insists that Doohan’s position in the team is secure, F1 expert Ewan Gale expressed skepticism, hinting at underlying tensions within the team. Gale raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the crash, questioning whether Doohan’s actions were deliberate and hinting at a possible lack of oversight from the team.
The debate intensified on the Total Motorsport F1 Show, where F1 writer Brandon Sutton highlighted the immense pressure Doohan must be under to resort to risky tactics like using the DRS to gain an advantage. Sutton’s remarks underscored a sense of desperation within Doohan, hinting at a driver struggling to cope with the demands of high-stakes racing.
As the fallout from Jack Doohan’s crash continues to reverberate through the F1 community, Alpine F1 Team finds itself embroiled in a storm of controversy. With Doohan’s future hanging in the balance and questions lingering about the team’s decision-making, the upcoming races will be crucial in determining the fate of both driver and team.
