Jack Doohan on a potential premature career end: « I too wanted their place when I was a reserve driver »

Australia remains a strong nation in Formula 1. For several seasons, an Australian driver has always been present in F1. This year, like last year, there are even two with Oscar Piastri and the rookie, Jack Doohan. For his very first home Grand Prix as a full-time driver, the young Alpine driver finds himself in the spotlight, but he refuses to give in to the pressure. On the eve of his first race weekend in Melbourne, Doohan was keen to set the record straight: he is there to drive, have fun, and not be overwhelmed by stress.

« To be honest, I am super eager to get back on track. There’s been so much waiting. Since the end of the season in Abu Dhabi, it feels like an eternity. So I am excited about finally being in free practice, feeling the car, and focusing on the race, » Doohan said in a press conference. The Australian has already had the opportunity to race in a Grand Prix by replacing Esteban Ocon during the last 2024 F1 Grand Prix.

Asked about the additional pressure of a home Grand Prix, Doohan dismissed the idea that he would be more exposed than others. « I don’t necessarily think we feel more pressure here than elsewhere, especially since there are two Australians on the grid this year. Max [Verstappen] is the only Dutch driver and he has huge support behind him at Zandvoort. So honestly, I don’t see why it would be different for us here. »

The former F2 driver, who already had a taste of F1 by replacing Esteban Ocon at the end of last season, feels mentally ready. « The offseason was good, I started working early with the team. I know I am mentally and physically fit. I have done all the necessary work, so there is no reason to be nervous. I just want to enjoy the moment. »

« We completed 55 more laps as a team compared to previous pre-season tests. The car was reliable. I was comfortable at the wheel, I was able to handle it well. Obviously, Bahrain had particular conditions, with unusual temperatures and strong winds. We’ll see how it goes. It’s going to be very hot, especially on Saturday here, but it’s hard to give a precise answer. We’ll find out very soon, for sure. »

The threats to his seat at Alpine

But behind this apparent calm, Doohan knows he needs to prove himself. His arrival at Alpine happened in a tense environment, with many drivers eyeing his seat. Indeed, Franco Colapinto, who made quite an impression in 2024 during his stints with Williams, has convinced Alpine to join them for a reserve driver seat. According to rumors, he might even take Doohan’s place at the end of the season.

At a press conference this Thursday, Damien McCartney, a journalist, even asked him if he feared that his F1 career would be short-lived, given the threat of other contenders within the Alpine program. A question to which he responded with detachment: « Good question. To be honest, much like Max said earlier, I haven’t really thought about it, because as you all know, there’s no point in dwelling on rumors or commenting on them. But you know, I have a contract for at least this year, possibly more. So, I’m looking forward to many more home Grand Prix. »

Doohan also responded to the uncertainties by advocating for on-track performance to keep his seat and convince his management. « There’s no point in worrying about it. I think I need to perform every time I’m in the car. There’s a driver eyeing my seat, but actually, we have four now, if you hadn’t noticed. We have four reserve drivers, and not just Franco, they probably all want my seat, and if they can’t have it, maybe Pierre’s too. And I also wanted their place when I was a reserve driver these past two years. So, to be honest, I’m going to enjoy every race as if it were the last, because I want to savor every moment I spend in the car. But yes, to be honest, I don’t have much more to add to that. »

With a fully supportive audience and the desire to prove he deserves his place, Jack Doohan is preparing for an intense weekend. Between excitement, anticipation, and expectations, he will have to find the perfect balance to deliver a performance worthy of his talent.