During the F1 75 launch event, Jack Doohan responded for the first time to the arrival of Franco Colapinto at Alpine. The Australian’s contract is said to contain an exit clause, potentially paving the way for the Argentine. Unfazed, Doohan emphasized his anticipation for the season: “No matter the pressure, I look forward to enjoying and embracing it.”
At the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Jack Doohan, who had already been appointed as the replacement for Esteban Ocon who moved to Haas, made his Formula 1 debut ahead of schedule. However, his future, even before he begins his first full season, is far from certain.
The arrival of Franco Colapinto, a driver reportedly highly admired by Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore, increased the pressure on Doohan. There were even reports that his contract contains an exit clause that can be activated from the sixth race in Miami, potentially clearing the way for Colapinto to take over Pierre Gasly’s spot.
Embracing the Challenge
At the F1 75 launch event, Doohan publicly addressed the issue for the first time in front of the media. “I was told he is a reserve driver,” he begins. “Regardless, I am one of the twenty Formula 1 drivers in the world. When I was karting as a child and later racing in Formula 3 and Formula 2, I knew I would sacrifice everything to eventually make it to Formula 1.””Whether it’s someone within the team or outside the team, even when you’re performing well, you’ll always feel pressure because it can be such a ruthless sport,” said the Australian. Nevertheless, Daniel Ricciardo remains determined and wants to enjoy his first season in Formula 1. “No matter what pressure there is, I look forward to enjoying and embracing it.”
Re-evaluation
In December, Briatore revealed in an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien that Alpine will definitely start the season with Pierre Gasly and Ricciardo, but he will re-evaluate the situation during the year.
When asked if he felt pressured by Colapinto’s arrival, Ricciardo pointed to his own position within the team in 2024. “Last year, I was also a 21-year-old reserve driver with a long-term contract.”
