‘Tension in the air’ – Alpine forced to intervene at F1 75 Launch over Jack Doohan questions
Formula 1 newbie Jack Doohan's difficult build-up to the season continued with a tense press conference during the F1 75 launch.
Doohan has endured the most demanding start to life as an Alpine driver following a barrage of rumours his days are already numbered.
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The Australian was promoted from the team's reserve driver into the seat alongside Pierre Gasly following Esteban Ocon's move to Haas.
However, Franco Colapinto's emergence during the second half of last season led Alpine to swoop to add the Argentinian to their ranks.
The 21-year-old was confirmed to be the French team's new reserve driver, which led to speculation he could be involved in another mid-season promotion if Doohan fails to meet expectations.
Rumours emerged that the latter only has a contract for the first part of the 2025 campaign, which could be as few as five or six races.
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Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore then fuelled speculation over Doohan's future by refusing to make any guarantee over the Aussie's future.
Doohan was quizzed over Colapinto's arrival during the F1 75 launch, which marvelbet369.com attended.
“I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver,” Doohan told media including talkSPORT in London on Tuesday.
“I think regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world – and I know when I was in a go kart, Formula 3, Formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.
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“So I don’t think necessarily that someone inside the team, outside the team, you know, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders, because you’re in such a cut-throat sport.
“But whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it, and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”
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The 22-year-old then became testier during a follow-up question when asked if he had felt at all undermined by Colapinto.
Doohan replied: “Is that a question?”
He continued: “I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract, but no I don’t [feel undermined]. Maybe I should, I don’t know. I don’t really understand how that’s a question, but definitely not.”
As Doohan struggled to quell the noise during his first two questions, Alpine were then forced to intervene to stop a third.
The team's press officer announced to the media, which included talkSPORT: “No more questions about Colapinto.
“I think that’s enough, we have three about Franco.”
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, the intervention led to 'tension in the air' as Doohan battled to get back on track.
Colapinto impressed F1 bosses during his nine-race stint with Williams last year.
Alpine soon became his best possible path to a full-time seat after Carlos Sainz was unveiled as Alex Albon's 2025 partner.
That was something which ruthless advisor Briatore as good as confirmed last year, telling Le Parisien: “We will start the year with Pierre (Gasly) and Jack, I can guarantee you that. Then we will see during the season.”
When asked if Doohan would stay the whole campaign, he added: “The only thing that is certain is death.
“I have to put the team in a position to achieve results. The drivers are responsible for finishing the work of around 1000 people behind them. They all work for just two people.
“If a driver doesn't deliver results, doesn't progress, he will be replaced. You can't be emotional in Formula 1.”
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Doohan, the son of ex-motorbike champion Mick, has one F1 race under his belt, having finished 15th in the 2024 finale in Abu Dhabi.
Asked how it felt to be part of his first F1 launch, Doohan said: “I think it's super cool. I haven't been a part of a launch yet, let's say, as a driver. So it's the first time for me on any launch, probably in the driving seat, but I think it's amazing.
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“It seems so far the day has been great. It's super cool, an experience that I haven't experienced before, so it's great to be a part of this, to be a part of F175.
“I think, hopefully, I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere event for the future.”
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