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Jack Doohan’s Do-or-Die F1 Debut: Why Abu Dhabi Is the Weekend That Could Define His Career

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Jack Doohan’s Do-or-Die F1 Debut: Why Abu Dhabi Is the Weekend That Could Define His Career

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Rising star Jack Doohan might be stepping into the Formula 1 spotlight sooner than expected, but his debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just a warm-up lap for 2025—it’s a high-stakes audition for his very survival at Alpine. While most rookie debuts offer a chance to get comfortable in the sport’s fiery crucible, Doohan’s comes with a catch: his seat isn’t as secure as Alpine’s August announcement might have suggested.

A Rookie’s Nightmare Scenario

Alpine’s apparent infatuation with Franco Colapinto, a proven F1 points-scorer with financial backing to spare, has cast a shadow over Doohan’s promotion. While the Australian is officially confirmed as Alpine’s 2025 driver, whispers in the paddock suggest that a shaky performance in Abu Dhabi could leave his future in jeopardy before the season even begins.

For Doohan, this debut isn’t a low-pressure “race zero.” It’s a battle to strengthen his foothold within the team, with a strong showing potentially fortifying his position—and an underwhelming one handing Colapinto the leverage to slide into his seat.

A Testing Ground Under Pressure

Doohan will have his hands full. Alpine is embroiled in a scrap for sixth in the constructors’ championship, and while Esteban Ocon has criticized the car’s development trajectory, the team believes it remains competitive. However, with Pierre Gasly carrying the only front-wing upgrade, Doohan will face an uphill climb in outdated machinery.

Still, Doohan is as prepared as a rookie can be. Having spent the past two seasons embedded in Alpine’s setup as a reserve driver, he has logged six FP1 sessions, countless simulator hours, and a robust testing program in a 2022-spec car. His contributions during the Monaco GP—where his simulator feedback helped turn a rocky Friday into a points finish for Gasly—have not gone unnoticed.

A Career Built on Resilience

Doohan’s journey to F1 has been anything but straightforward. The former Red Bull junior might lack the sparkling single-seater titles of some of his contemporaries, but his work ethic and tenacity have been his calling cards. In his final F2 campaign, he overcame a cracked chassis to finish third in the championship—proof of his grit and adaptability.

The 21-year-old isn’t hailed as a generational talent like Ollie Bearman or Kimi Antonelli, but underestimating him would be a mistake. His professionalism and team-first mentality won him Alpine’s trust over seasoned drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher. During pre-season testing, he even outpaced Schumacher decisively, solidifying his reputation as a driver who can deliver under pressure.

Colapinto Looms Large

Despite Doohan’s credentials, the specter of Colapinto remains a real threat. Backed by financial resources and already a proven F1 competitor, the Argentinian is a tantalizing alternative for Alpine. Though rumors suggest the team has cooled on Colapinto, its flirtation with him reveals how precarious Doohan’s position could be if he stumbles.

Why Abu Dhabi Matters

The stakes in Abu Dhabi couldn’t be higher. If Doohan can deliver a stellar performance—perhaps even contributing to Alpine’s constructors’ championship fight—it would bolster his claim to the seat and quiet the doubters. But a lackluster weekend could amplify the pressure heading into 2025, turning his rookie season into a survival mission.

The Nature of F1’s Ruthless Beast

Formula 1 rarely offers the luxury of easing into the spotlight, and for Doohan, there will be no exception. With his seat under scrutiny and Alpine’s trust hanging in the balance, Abu Dhabi represents more than just a debut. It’s a defining moment, a test of character, and a chance to secure his future in the sport.

As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Doohan. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the F1 beast claim another victim? One thing is certain: in a sport where opportunity is fleeting, Doohan must seize his moment, or risk losing it all.

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