Jack Doohan has had a tricky start to life in Formula One with Alpine, with the Australian currently under pressure to keep his seat for the 2023 season
Ralf Schumacher has issued a stark warning to Alpine’s Jack Doohan, suggesting that his stint in Formula One could be nearing its end. This comes despite Martin Brundle’s claims that the Australian driver has been reassured about his future.
The 22-year-old has had a rocky start to his debut F1 season, crashing out of the Australian Grand Prix and finishing 13th in the Chinese Grand Prix. His challenging start in F1 has sparked whispers that he might be replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto, who raced in nine Grands Prix last season for Williams, stepping in for Logan Sargeant.
The Argentine prodigy was brought to the Enstone-based team by Flavio Briatore, the executive advisor for Alpine, and is poised for another chance to shine in the sport. Schumacher, brother of seven-time world champion Michael, believes that the presence of Colapinto and his assertion that Briatore isn’t particularly fond of Doohan means the Aussie’s time in F1 is “numbered”.
“It’s a bit of a forced marriage, and I don’t get the feeling Briatore thinks much of him. He doesn’t cover himself in much glory and makes a lot of mistakes. I think his days at Alpine are numbered,” the former F1 driver commented on Sky Sports Germany’s F1 podcast.
Despite Schumacher’s cautionary words, Brundle has indicated that the Aussie ace has engaged in constructive talks with Alpine about his prospects, bolstered by a discussion with his dad Mick Doohan, a MotoGP legend. It’s not been an easy ride into the cut-throat F1 arena for the younger Doohan, reports the Express.
On Sky Sports’ The F1 Show, Brundle got candid: “It’s really hard for him. I saw a picture with four drivers – Pierre Gasly, him, Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron [another reserve]. If I were Jack, I’d think, ‘This should be a two-driver shoot, not a four-driver shoot.'”
Discussing the insider details after a catch-up with Doohan senior, Brundle shared on air: “Talking to Mick, he’s calm behind the scenes. Jack has been reassured that he has a contract. But you don’t want that on your mind – driving every weekend while thinking about your future isn’t ideal.
“I’ve been there before, and it’s tough. You’re constantly thinking about your career because it might end at any moment. Then the car starts sliding, and you get nervous because you don’t want to crash. It just adds pressure.” Eyes will be on Doohan as he gears up for the Japanese Grand Prix the following Sunday.
