F1 rookies rally behind dropped Alpine driver Jack Doohan
F1 Rookies Rally Behind Jack Doohan After Alpine Axes Him Mid-Season
The Formula 1 rookie class united in defense of Australian driver Jack Doohan after Alpine made the controversial decision to replace him following just six races into the 24-race season. Doohan, unable to score a single point during his brief stint, will cede his seat to Argentine Franco Colapinto for at least the next five races. Colapinto had been widely anticipated to step into the role, following his arrival at Alpine as a reserve driver in January after a nine-race journey with Williams last year.
Criticism From Fellow Rookies
Haas rookie Oliver Bearman, who himself impressed by scoring on his stand-in debut with Ferrari last season, didn’t shy away from criticizing Alpine's handling of Doohan’s situation.
"I can only imagine it's a horrible situation, and I feel like his treatment was very unfair," Bearman told reporters ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. "We've gone to four out of six tracks that have been new to us as rookies. We've had two sprint events, which are even more difficult for us as rookies."
Bearman pointed out the unfair timing of the decision, notably because Doohan was dismissed before reaching the European stages of the calendar—where track familiarity could have helped his performance.
"Before he even gets to the European season where there are tracks he knows, he's already thrown out of the car. So, yeah. Incredibly harsh. Imagine."
Despite being sidelined, Doohan remains part of Alpine's driver roster and will contribute through simulator sessions as Colapinto steps up to the challenge of mastering the car.
Support From Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar echoed Bearman’s sentiments, emphasizing the challenges Doohan faced from the outset.
"Even before the season, it smelled a bit bad, because I think he entered the season with a lot of pressure, expectations," said the Frenchman. "So not a really good environment. And it feels quite unfair, because six races in, he didn't have much time to show anything. It's not that he had a rocket ship as well. So, yeah, a bit harsh."
Hadjar compared his own experience to Doohan’s, highlighting the importance of a stress-free debut.
"I didn't have a gun to my head before starting the season. That was definitely helpful."
While accepting the need for results at the highest level, Hadjar questioned the logic of Alpine’s team management.
"I can understand when you're Red Bull, you want to fight for the world championship. This makes sense maybe in the top team. But otherwise, if you want your rookie to have experience, then you need to give him races. Otherwise, he can't race."
Liam Lawson Highlights F1's Harsh Environment
Liam Lawson, Hadjar’s teammate at Racing Bulls, added his voice to the growing support for Doohan, describing Formula 1’s environment as “cut-throat.” Lawson himself had experienced rollercoaster treatment this season—briefly promoted to the Red Bull main team for two races before being demoted.
"In his first season, I think he did enough for sure even before F1 to be in Formula One in the first place. He deserves to come back. There's 20 seats, it's very tough," Lawson remarked.
Pressure on Colapinto, Uncertainty for Doohan
As Doohan heads back to the simulator, his peers have made it clear that they see promise in him—and believe Alpine may have been too quick to pull the plug. With Colapinto taking the reins, the pressure is now on the Argentine rookie to make an immediate impression. Meanwhile, Doohan's situation remains a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of life at motorsport's pinnacle.
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