Jack Doohan’s debut campaign in Formula One (F1) is not going as he would have dreamt before getting the call-up to the series. The Gold Coast-born racer has shown signs that he might be out of his depth and the Alpine team are already considering taking him out of the firing line.
Doohan’s Mishap in China
Doohan’s latest blunder came in the Chinese Grand Prix (GP). Fans got a glimpse of his quality and resilience, but his race was overshadowed by controversy and setbacks.
The 22-year-old was locked in an intense battle with Isack Hadjar but was deemed to have gone overboard as he ran the Racing Bulls driver off the track at turn 14. His overzealous defensive moves ultimately earned him a 10-second penalty, which dropped him from 14th to 16th place.
He eventually finished 13th – two places below Hadjar – but Doohan’s latest struggle in China has led many people to question whether he is ready for high-level racing yet.
Doohan’s mishap in China was not an isolated event. During the season-opening Australian GP, he crashed out on the opening lap of his home race. Critics believe the young driver is crumbling under the pressure of matching teammate Pierre Gasly, but Doohan didn’t seem too fazed after what happened in China.
Despite the penalty, the Aussie driver gave himself top marks for his performance and admitted the experience will be pivotal in raising his game moving forward.
“I’m happy to get 56 laps more than I did in Oz, that’s for sure,” he said. “Tough race, elbows out and, in the end, 14th on track from where we were wasn’t too bad.
We kept that [Racing Bulls] car behind for 20 odd laps – a car that’s been much quicker than us all weekend, a strong Q3 running car, so I think we have to be proud of that.
I will have to revisit the penalty because we don’t want to be giving away spots for nothing. Although P14, P16 there are no points, but still [it] would have been nice. So, just going to have to revisit it and keep our heads down for Japan.”
Doohan Feeling the Heat as Alpine Struggles Continue
Doohan’s positive mentality post-China is undoubtedly commendable, but the fact remains that he’s yet to put points on the board this season. Alpine will be scratching their heads on how to arrest the situation, considering they are the only team yet to win a point this term.
After getting off to a disastrous start in Melbourne, Doohan was determined to make sure lightning didn’t strike twice and went about his business in Shanghai with the utmost concentration.
Doohan was always going to struggle to get points on the board, especially after starting down the pecking order, but Alpine did him no good by pitting him early for the hard compound tyres.
Having to run that set for 45 laps meant Doohan had to fend off the much fresher Hadjar late on, and the Aussie driver threw everything at his rival to keep his position.
Doohan’s performances have been unconvincing, but the noise around Alpine’s recent addition – Franco Colapinto – may have contributed to throwing him off his game. Colapinto joined Alpine’s reserves in what the team claims has no bearing on Doohan’s future, but it might only be a matter of time before they are forced to act.
Aussie Racer Will be Eager to Turn Things Around
Doohan will undoubtedly be keen to redeem himself in Japan next month. It may be his final shot at impressing the Alpine top brass before they’re forced into a driver switch.
However, bookmakers in Australia do not rate Doohan’s chances. He is a 501.00 shot to claim a podium finish, highlighting the size of the task he faces.
F1 pundits who offer free betting tips may adopt a more positive stance about the Aussie claiming a top-10 finish, which would be a significant step in the right direction.
Doohan has acknowledged that he still has plenty to learn after Australia and China, but he may not get the time he needs to adapt to the highly competitive F1 racing.
The series has seen many promising rookies come and go, and it would not be surprising to see Doohan join that unfortunate list, especially if he fails to upset the odds in Japan.
His initial results have left many people questioning his ability. Alpine are still keeping their faith in him, but a third pointless race could spell the end for Doohan.
If he cannot find a way to start getting points on the board, the question may not be whether he has a future in F1, but how long he has left.
