Jack Doohan's Formula 1 debut has sparked intense debate after the Australian rookie finished a lowly 15th place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer offered measured praise, Red Bull's Helmut Marko minced no words, saying, “There should have been more.”
Doohan's start came earlier than expected, replacing Esteban Ocon after his abrupt departure to Haas. Despite limited preparation, the 21-year-old expressed mixed emotions, admitting disappointment at his last-place qualifying result but saying “super happy with the whole experience.” However, Alpine's confidence in their rookie is already in question, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto on hold and rumors circulating of an early season swap.
Marko's criticism and Palmer's defense
Marko's damning verdict on Doohan's performance contrasts sharply with Palmer's more lenient opinion. Speaking on the podcast Chequered FlagPalmer noted, “He hasn’t done much, has he? But he didn't make many mistakes either. It’s normal, it’s difficult to parachute someone in for one last race.” Palmer highlighted the challenge of making his debut in Abu Dhabi with minimal preparation, adding that the real test will come during the full 2025 season.
Marko, however, was less empathetic. Known for his frank assessments, the 81-year-old Red Bull advisor did not mince his words, making it clear that Doohan's performance fell short of expectations.
The high stakes of Alpine and the shadow of Colapinto
Doohan's position is further complicated by the arrival of Franco Colapinto as Alpine's reserve driver. The Enstone-based team reportedly paid a staggering £8.4 million for the Argentine's services—a significant investment for a backup role. The move has fueled speculation that Alpine could replace Doohan with Colapinto from the start of the 2025 season, especially if the rookie struggles to get results.
-Alpine executive director Flavio Briatore has fanned the flames with his ruthless stance. “The only thing we can be sure of is death!” Briatore joked to The Parisian. “We will start the year with Pierre [Gasly] and Jack, I can guarantee you that. After that we will see. If there is a driver who is not progressing, who is not bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”
This no-compromise approach, coupled with Colapinto's potential to attract lucrative sponsorship deals, leaves Doohan in a precarious position.
Pressure mounts on Doohan
The stakes have never been higher for Doohan, who must prove his worth in a fiercely competitive environment where patience is in short supply. Although his debut in Abu Dhabi gave him valuable experience, it also highlighted the challenges of transitioning to Formula 1 without adequate preparation.
With Colapinto on hold and Alpine management signaling zero tolerance for underperformance, Doohan will need to be up and running from the start of the 2025 season. For now, the focus is firmly on Alpine's decision-makers and the trajectory of their rookie driver.
