Three drivers retired from the Australian Grand Prix before the end of the first lap in tricky conditions.
The Albert Park circuit has produced some chaotic moments over the years F1 – and it certainly provided that in abundance in 2025 during the early stages.
The slippery nature of the track combined with the wet weather was catching drivers out throughout the race – even before the race had even started. Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar spun and hit the wall at turn two, ending his debut race on the formation lap.
It was a heartbreaking moment for the Frenchman as he looked inconsolable on his way back to the garage. Shortly after the race got underway, another rookie found the wall.
Home hero Jack Doohan lost his Alpine on the approach to turn six and crashed heavily into the wall, bringing out the safety car. Carlos Sainz became the third casualty on the first lap as he spun his Williams and crashed out at the final corner.
The Spaniard’s accident marks a disappointing start to life at his new team in 2025. But for Doohan, his crash may have bigger consequences.
Martin Brundle was right to say Jack Doohan’s crash at the Australian Grand Prix was ‘very bad news’ for his F1 career
The Aussie is fighting to keep his seat on the grid despite only making two Grand Prix starts in his career. Alpine have Franco Colapinto as their reserve driver in 2025 and he is waiting in the wings for a full-time drive.
Doohan reportedly has a six-race contract, giving him limited time to prove himself. His crash at Melbourne is the last thing he needs right now.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Martin Brundle said Doohan’s incident was ‘very bad news’. With Colapinto watching on, the crash will add more fuel to the fire that Alpine will cut ties with the Aussie.
“He’ll have dropped that in the traction zone, swapped ends as he was, maybe even just shifting gear,” he said.
“All these things you’ve got to learn. You’ve got to learn them the hard way unfortunately. And that is very bad news for Jack Doohan, he doesn’t need that at the moment with all the talk of Colapinto getting in that car. He’s certainly driven nicely in the dry this weekend.”
Brundle is correct in his assessment; crashing out of the first race only adds to the pressure already on Doohan’s shoulders.
Flavio Briatore warned Doohan the ‘stopwatch’ decides his career in F1 – this crash puts him on more borrowed time to save his seat.
Helmut Marko does not think Jack Doohan will finish the 2025 season
Following this accident in Melbourne, Doohan must get his head down and find some results. He had been looking relatively strong over the weekend as he made it to Q2.
Father Mick Doohan says Jack is ‘calm’ behind the scenes at Alpine. But that may have changed after this crash with the supposed limited time he has and the numbers of drivers the team have on the sidelines.
Colapinto is the favourite to replace the Aussie if he is dropped. Alpine also have Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa and Kush Maini as reserve drivers for 2025.
Helmut Marko thinks Doohan will be dropped mid-season – when that will be is anyone’s guess. But the feeling is it could happen before the summer break.
