Jack Doohan stays focused on the track, ignoring rumors about his Alpine future as reserve drivers line up to take his seat.
Jack Doohan is set to experience his first home Grand Prix in Melbourne—his second-ever F1 race. It should be a moment of joy, but instead, he’s at the center of swirling rumors about his future at Alpine.
Since Flavio Briatore opened the door for Franco Colapinto to join Enstone as a reserve driver, speculation has been non-stop. And it’s not just Colapinto. Four reserve drivers are circling, all eyeing Doohan’s seat. Despite the noise, the Australian stays cool, reminding everyone that his contract is locked in “at least for this year, maybe more.”
Unbothered by the Pressure
When asked in Melbourne if he was preparing for what “hopefully won’t be his only home Grand Prix,” Doohan simply laughed:
“Great question.”
He’s not losing sleep over the rumors:
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. There’s no point in dwelling on or commenting on speculation.”
The reality is simple—he’s here to race, and he’s looking ahead, not over his shoulder.
“I have a contract for this year, maybe more, so I’m looking forward to many home Grands Prix.”
Does he feel the pressure? Not really.
“Uncertainty doesn’t matter. I just need to perform every time I’m in the car, even if someone wants my seat.”
The Fight for a Future at Alpine
Doohan knows the competition is fierce.
“We have four reserve drivers now. All of them—not just Franco—probably want my seat. Maybe even Pierre’s. I wanted their seats when I was a reserve for the past two years.”
But he’s not about to let the rumors distract him from the task at hand.
“I’m going to enjoy every race as if it were my last. I want to savor every moment while I’m in the car.”
Prepared and Ready
While names like Colapinto and Paul Aron are seen as real threats, Ryo Hirakawa and Kush Maini seem to be long shots for promotion. Still, Doohan isn’t focused on who’s waiting in the wings—he’s focused on delivering results.
His preparation for this season has been intense, and he believes it will pay off:
“The off-season was good. I started early with the team, I’m mentally and physically in top shape, and I’ve laid the groundwork. Stress and pressure shouldn’t be an issue.”
As for what happens next? He’s taking it as it comes.
“I’ve done everything to give my best, and the rest will unfold naturally. I’m just excited to race.”
Abu Dhabi: The Confidence Booster
Last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gave Doohan a crucial first taste of F1, and looking back, he sees how much that experience changed him.
“Honestly, before Abu Dhabi, I was nervous and already thinking about this weekend. But since then, my perspective has completely shifted.”
Now, he’s approaching his home race with a calm mindset.
“Having time to process that this weekend was coming made me feel comfortable, relaxed about what’s ahead. That has helped me a lot. The team has been fantastic in supporting me.”
And as for his first full season in F1? He’s embracing the journey.
“Abu Dhabi was amazing—just being in the car, experiencing a full race weekend. Now, I’m ready for what’s next.”
Verdict: A Seat Under Threat?
For now, Jack Doohan isn’t letting the rumors shake him. But in the high-stakes world of F1, performances speak louder than words. If he wants to keep his Alpine seat beyond 2024, he knows exactly what he needs to do—deliver.
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Doohan Unfazed: Racing Hard Despite Alpine Exit Rumors Doohan Unfazed: Racing Hard Despite Alpine Exit Rumors
