Motorcycle Racing Legend Mick Doohan Slams Alpine F1 Team as ‘Customer Team’ Following Son’s Demotion
In a shocking turn of events, Australian motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan has publicly criticized the Alpine F1 team, labeling them a ‘customer’ team. This scathing remark comes after Alpine decided to demote Mick’s son, Jack Doohan, to a reserve driver role following a lackluster performance in the 2025 season.
Jack Doohan, who initially started the F1 2025 season as part of Alpine’s driver lineup, failed to make a significant impact during his first six Grand Prix races. As a result, the team made the tough decision to relegate him to the reserve driver position. Despite this setback, Alpine has stated that Doohan remains their “first-choice reserve driver” moving forward.
The Australian driver’s replacement, young Argentine racer Franco Colapinto, has been brought in to fill the void left by Doohan. Colapinto showcased his talent in the closing stages of the 2024 season when he substituted for Logan Sargeant at Williams, earning him a spot on the Alpine team for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Mick Doohan expressed his disappointment with Alpine’s decision in an interview, where he defended his son’s performance, stating, “I think Jack performed quite well on paper.” While Doohan’s sentiments reflect a father’s support for his son, his characterization of Alpine as a ‘customer team’ hints at underlying tension between the Doohan family and the F1 outfit.
Despite the public scrutiny, Jack Doohan continues to fulfill his duties as Alpine’s reserve driver, recently spotted at the Imola paddock. Sources reveal that he diligently prepared for his role by spending time in Alpine’s simulator ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
As the F1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Jack Doohan and Alpine F1 to see how they navigate this challenging period and whether the young driver can reclaim his spot on the main roster. Stay tuned for more updates as this motorsport drama continues to unfold on the racetrack.
