Imagine dedicating 13 long years to achieving your dream, only to have it snatched away in just 150 days. That’s the harsh reality Australian driver Jack Doohan faced when he was released by the Alpine Formula 1 team. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a fair decision, or did Alpine miss the mark by letting go of a driver with so much potential? Let’s dive in.
Jack Doohan, son of five-time motorcycle GP champion Mick Doohan, started his racing journey at the age of 12 in karting. His talent earned him a spot with Alpine, and by the start of the 2025 season, he was set to make his Formula 1 debut after years in the team’s academy as a test and reserve driver. And this is the part most people miss: Despite his pedigree and dedication, Doohan’s F1 career was cut short after just six races, two of which he failed to finish. Alpine replaced him with Franco Colapinto, leaving many to question the team’s strategy.
Doohan’s best result was a 13th-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix in March. However, his time with Alpine was marred by unfortunate incidents, including a crash on the first lap of the rain-soaked season-opener in Melbourne and another in Miami, which marked his final race for the team. Though still under contract, Alpine announced a ‘mutual agreement’ to release him for the 2026 season and beyond. Here’s the kicker: Alpine finished last in the F1 constructors’ standings, and Colapinto’s performance wasn’t exactly a game-changer. While he avoided crashes in 17 races, he also failed to score a single point, with his best finish being 11th.
Interestingly, Colapinto outperformed teammate Pierre Gasly, who scored all of Alpine’s 22 points, six times. Doohan, on the other hand, struggled to match Gasly’s pace, lapping slower by 0.17 to 0.50 seconds in races where both drivers finished. Despite his demotion, Alpine insisted Doohan remained ‘an integral part of the team,’ continuing as a test and reserve driver. But Doohan’s words spoke volumes: ‘I am proud to have achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a professional Formula One driver, but this chapter is tough to accept. As a racer, I want to be on the track.’
Now, here’s the question that divides opinions: Did Alpine make the right call by prioritizing consistency over potential, or did they underestimate Doohan’s ability to grow? At just 22, Doohan has plenty of time to explore other opportunities in motorsport, though a return to F1 may not be immediate. His story raises broader questions about the pressures of Formula 1 and the fine line between success and failure in such a cutthroat sport.
What do you think? Was Alpine justified in their decision, or did they let a future star slip away? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
