Pressure Mounts on Jack Doohan Ahead of Australian Grand Prix

MELBOURNE, Australia — Jack Doohan is facing significant pressure as he prepares for his debut race with Alpine at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The 21-year-old rookie has been labeled a “C-rate” driver by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who has raised speculation about Doohan’s future in Formula 1 amid rumors he could be replaced by fellow driver Franco Colapinto later this season.

Doohan, son of Australian motorcycle champion Mick Doohan, joined Alpine as Pierre Gasly’s teammate for 2025 just before the Dutch Grand Prix last year. Meanwhile, Colapinto’s remarkable performances in the latter half of the 2024 season with Williams have elevated his status as a potential replacement.

Doohan’s contract is reported to extend only through the initial races of the new season, generating concerns regarding his long-term position. “His continued participation will be based on performance,” a source from PlanetF1.com noted, emphasizing the competitive nature of the series.

Marko backed up his assessment during an appearance on Servus TV, stating, “He is a ‘C.’ I don’t think he will complete the season.” The comments have placed additional scrutiny on Doohan as he aims to prove his abilities on a global stage.

Doohan’s journey through Red Bull’s esteemed driver academy from 2017 to 2021 included significant learning experiences alongside top talents such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Following this, he transitioned to Alpine’s junior program, ultimately earning a race seat.

Team principal Oli Oakes expressed confidence in Doohan’s ability to succeed, stating, “I think he’s done a really good job of just blocking out the noise and focusing on his performance.”

As the F1 season opens, the team is calling for patience from fans and media. Oakes advocated for space for Doohan to establish himself, asserting that all drivers must deliver results to maintain their seats.

In the broader context of the grid, other rookies are also making waves. Marko has classified Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber as a “B-rate” driver, citing his cautious driving approach despite winning both the F3 and F2 titles. Meanwhile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has garnered attention as one of the most promising talents since Verstappen, but he also faces considerable pressure as he steps into a role previously held by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

“His performance is impressive, but going straight to an elite team will be a challenge,” Marko noted about Antonelli’s potential to excel under the spotlight.

Jack Doohan now stands at the intersection of expectations and opportunity. As he prepares to race on home soil in Australia, all eyes will be on whether he can silence critics and secure his place in Formula 1.