Jack Doohan’s former rivals blast ‘cutthroat’ move to sideline him at Alpine F1

Formula 1 is back this week with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which kicks off the European portion of the calendar. But the grid looks a little different than it did at the Miami Grand Prix, with Alpine making the switch to Franco Colapinto from Jack Doohan.

During Thursday’s media day, some of Doohan’s former rivals expressed their support for the driver, blasting the “cutthroat” nature of Formula 1.

“Unfortunately, not really any surprise from some of the decisions that have been taken recently by the team,” said Esteban Ocon during the FIA Press Conference, who went through his own separation from Alpine as he departed for Haas ahead of this year. “I don’t have much to say. “Obviously, sad for Jack. I’m sure he’ll be back in F1 at some point. He showed some really strong moments this year where he qualified super well and he’s also been super quick in the car — which was good to see. On the other hand, Franco also deserves to be in F1. Last year he showed some great things with the Williams car,” continued Ocon.

“Unfortunately, there are not enough cars on the grid to fit all the talents that are out there. But yeah, not much more to say. I’m happy where I am.”

Liam Lawson, who was dealt his own setback with the move to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls after starting the year at Red Bull, questioned whether Doohan had been given enough time to succeed at Alpine.

“Yeah, I spoke to Jack. Obviously for him, it’s very tough,” began Lawson. “I think he showed enough to stay in Formula 1, for sure. He showed enough to be in Formula 1.

“But also, it’s hard — how can you be expected in five races to show everything you have, especially in your rookie season? Unfortunately, it’s very cutthroat,” continued Lawson. “But as Esteban said, I think he did enough — even before F1, he did enough to deserve to be there. And he’s done enough in F1 to deserve to come back. But with 20 seats, it’s very, very tough. Every team makes their own decisions, so there’s not really much more to say.”

Nico Hülkenberg, who drove for the team from 2017 until 2019 when it competed under the Renault branding, described the situation as a “tough environment” for a rookie.

“It’s obviously tough,” the Sauber driver said to the official F1 channel. “I think even when Jack started there, over the winter it was always, obviously, with Franco around, it was a tough environment to start in as a rookie.

“I feel sorry for him in a way,” added Hülkenberg. “He didn’t obviously have much time to prove and to grow. I know how difficult it is as a rookie to come in. Being in such a tight mid-pack, it’s hard to really convince [team bosses of your spot on the grid].

“So that’s typical Formula 1, very cutthroat, very unforgiving in these days. I think especially in that team at that moment.”

Two other rookies, Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar, also came to Doohan’s defense.

“I think it shows that we live in a cutthroat sport,” said Bearman to the F1 channel. “Even if I don’t really fully agree with what’s happened in that team, I think it’s a little harsh and a little early to make judgments on someone after only six races.

“I think Jack did a great job and I agree that it’s very harsh what happened to him. But it’s also a reminder for all of us that we need to be performing at all times.”

Hadjar described the situation as Doohan having a “gun to his head” before the season even began. Asked by the media in Imola about the difference between his situation at VCARB and Doohan’s at Alpine, Hadjar began by saying this: “I didn’t have a gun on my head before starting the season, so it was definitely helping,” said the VCARB rookie.

“I had good support here since day one.”

Hadjar then described the situation Doohan endured as “harsh.”

“He entered the scene with a lot of pressure, expectations, so not a really good environment. It feels quite unfair because, you know, six races in, [Doohan] didn’t have much time to show anything; and it’s not that he has a rocket ship as well,” continued Hadjar.

“Yeah, a bit harsh.”

As for how much time Colapinto will have, Alpine has given him five races to prove his worth, which is less time than Doohan had on the grid.

Addressing that fact in the FIA Press Conference, Colapinto pointed out that he is just hoping to “maximize” his opportunity.

“I don’t know. We’ll see once I drive. But you know, I have a great opportunity ahead,” said Colapinto.

“I’m happy to be in F1. I don’t even think in terms of five races—I’m just in a happy place, and I’m dealing with it very well. I think at the moment I just want to get back in the seat and drive. And of course, after you heard Carlos [Sainz Jr.] saying that he needs like 10 races to get used to a car, I think five is not enough for me,” continued Colapinto. “I’ve only driven nine in my life in F1. So yeah, it probably takes me a few more races, probably a couple more than five to get up to speed and maximise everything out of the car.

“But it is what I have and I just want to maximize it, enjoy it and try to do the best for the team.”