Despite former Williams, Jordan, and Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher’s prediction of a short-lived stay for Jack Doohan at Alpine, the rookie remains positive. Notably, he has compared his performance to that of Pierre Gasly, stating they are “quite similar on pace” following the first couple of races in the F1 2025 season.
Schumacher’s skepticism about Doohan’s future at Alpine was aired on Sky Germany, where he suggested that the decision was made even before Flavio Briatore’s involvement. He criticized Doohan’s performance as lackluster, marked by numerous mistakes, and hinted that his tenure at Alpine might be brief.
However, Doohan, unfazed by these comments, expressed optimism about his Formula 1 journey so far, despite falling behind in China. He highlighted his performance relative to Gasly, his primary benchmark, stating that they were, on average, quite similar, particularly in terms of one-lap pace. This, he believes, is a positive sign as he navigates his rookie season.
Doohan further revealed that Alpine’s higher-ups, including Briatore, Oli Oakes, and Luca De Meo, have expressed satisfaction with his early performances in 2025. He acknowledged that the team’s backers will inevitably demand points and that it will be crucial to capitalize on the car’s potential when it is ready. The Australian rookie stressed the importance of staying focused and working hard, expressing hope for a better performance at the Suzuka track.
The arrival of Franco Colapinto as Alpine’s reserve seemed to have put Doohan on the back foot even before the season started. However, Doohan remains positive about his initial races in the 2025 campaign, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the driver guidelines to avoid any issues. He expressed confidence in the understanding and support of his team, citing it as a significant factor in his journey so far.
While Doohan hasn’t yet delivered stellar results, his optimistic outlook and the support from his team suggest a promising trajectory. As Doohan continues to hone his skills and adapt to the high-stakes world of F1, his performance will be one to watch in the coming races.
