Jack Doohan Faces Pressure Ahead of Home F1 Debut at Australian Grand Prix

ALBERT PARK, Australia – Jack Doohan, the 22-year-old Australian racing driver, is gearing up for his home Grand Prix at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2025. As he steps into his first full season with Formula 1 team Alpine, Doohan’s position is under intense scrutiny due to the looming presence of four reserve drivers eager to take his seat.

Following his debut at Abu Dhabi last year, Doohan’s journey in Formula 1 has been marked by speculation regarding his future. The addition of Franco Colapinto, alongside Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and Kush Maini, has intensified the competition for the spotlight within the Alpine team. Colapinto, who scored five points while driving for Williams last year, is particularly seen as a formidable challenger.

“I think I have to perform each and every time I’m in the car, regardless,” Doohan said at a pre-race news conference. “If you didn’t realize, we have four reserve drivers. All four of them, not just Franco, probably wants my seat—and if not Pierre’s [Gasly’s] as well.”

Doohan’s need to excel has been emphasized by Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who hinted that the team would evaluate performance closely as the season unfolds. “We’ll see how the season progresses,” he stated, leaving Doohan’s future uncertain.

The pressure has escalated with external opinions, including that of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who has raised doubts about Doohan’s capabilities, labeling him as “C-rate.” He suggested that Doohan’s contract might only cover the initial races of the season, further igniting fears about his position as a main driver.

Reflecting on his rise through the ranks, Doohan acknowledged the challenges that come with driving at the elite level. From his days in Formula 3 and Formula 2, where he came close to winning, he is now adapting to the intricacies of driving an F1 car. He recounted a painful experience from his debut, noting, “I learned that I needed to alter my grip on the steering wheel after feeling pain during the race.”

Fellow Australian driver, Oscar Piastri, expressed support for Doohan, stating, “It’s always great to have another Aussie, and I think Jack has proved through his junior career that he deserves a chance.” Piastri’s enthusiasm highlights the camaraderie among Australian racers and the significance of representation on the F1 stage.

For Doohan, the race at Albert Park serves as a platform not just to showcase talent but also to alleviate the mounting pressure from fans and the media. He emphasized his willingness to focus on enjoying the racing experience while maintaining performance. “I’m going to enjoy every race as if it’s my last,” he affirmed.

As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, Doohan’s ability to balance the expectations of both his team and his personal aspirations will be crucial. The outcome of this race could decisively influence both his season and future within Alpine. With attention sharply focused on him, Doohan’s performance at Albert Park will reveal whether he can meet the competitive demands of Formula 1.