Alpine’s rookie Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan has already been under tremendous pressure before the 2025 season has even begun.
Rumours began circulating after the Australian driver was signed with the French team, claiming he only had five races to prove himself before he faced replacement. The speculation escalated further when Alpine signed Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver for 2025 after the Argentinian driver put in some impressive performances when he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams for the remainder of the 2024 season.
However, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has dismissed these rumours during an interview with Speedcafe. He argued:
“I think the pressure comes from outside. A lot of these things which are happening in F1 is like someone said, ‘Oh, he has got only six races, and then it will be decided’. Somebody said it, somebody repeated it, and it got bigger and bigger.
“I don’t even know if it’s true because nobody knows where it came from. So, for me, it’s an exaggerated rumour.
“I just don’t see where it came from. It wasn’t an official statement, so if there’s no official statement, I always assume that somebody opened his mouth not knowing what he’s saying, just wanting a headline.
“Obviously, in F1, it’s not only him under pressure; everyone needs to perform. If he performs, he will be fine, there will be no problem.”
Jack Doohan, Alpine
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
In offering advice to Doohan, Steiner added:
“Jack needs to stay calm, do what he’s good at, race cars, and then the performance will come, and he will be here to stay.
“I may have simplified it a little bit, but that’s what it is about.”
The Australian, who is preparing for his first home race as an F1 driver, addressed the rumours ahead of the F1 75 event to the media, including Motorsport.com:
“No, I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver. And I think, regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world. I know when I was a go-karter, in Formula 3, Formula 2 – I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.
“So, [whether] it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cut-throat sport.
“But whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes defended the 22-year-old and praised him for his responses to the rumours. He explained to the media in Bahrain when Motorsport.com asked him about Doohan’s handling of the speculation:
“He’s alright. I think I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all. I actually feel for him because I get that everybody wants the clickbait and that’s a discussion topic. But I think he should be given a bit of space to just get on with it for a few rounds.
“No matter what driver you are, in any category, there’s pressure,” Oakes said. “It doesn’t matter whether that’s in F1 or even in the junior categories. I think because Franco did a good job last year, he’s got a big fan base, so it’s natural that people want to talk about that. But from the other side, I think, as a team, we’re quite lucky to have three reserves who are very good, and that puts us in a strong position.
“And in terms of whether it’s nice or kind to Jack, I was pretty open that he’s driving a Formula 1 car – that’s every boy’s dream, but it’s also his job. And for me, that’s pretty simple.”
