Jack Doohan has been under pressure during the off-season (Image: Getty)
has been labelled a ‘C-grade’ driver by advisor ahead of the . The rookie is under immense pressure as he fights to secure his long-term future on the F1 grid amid pressure from Franco Colapinto. Doohan was signed by Alpine to replace the Haas-bound last summer, but after Flavio Briatore’s head was turned by Colapinto, the 22-year-old was placed in the firing line.
Reports emerged during the off-season suggesting that the Aussie has just five or six races to impress in 2025 before he could be dropped. According to Marko, Doohan’s chances of retaining his seat for the entire 2025 season are slim. In an interview with ServusTV, the 81-year-old was asked to grade the rookies on the grid. He slapped Alpine’s new recruit with a “C driver” grade and added: “I don’t think he’ll complete the full season.”
These comments are particularly harsh when considering Doohan’s junior career. The Gold Coast-born racer spent four years as a academy prospect but opted to join Alpine’s stable ahead of his Formula Two rookie campaign in 2022.
If Briatore and team principal Oliver Oakes do decide to drop Doohan midway through the 2025 campaign, they will have plenty of options when it comes to deciding his replacement. Alongside Colapinto, Alpine have signed Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa and Kush Maini as test and reserve drivers.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Helmut Marko is not impressed with Jack Doohan (Image: Getty)
Addressing the long queue of drivers hoping to replace him, Doohan said: “I have to perform each and every time I’m in the car. I have one guy chasing my seat, but we actually have four now, if you didn’t realise, we have four reserves.
“It’s not just Franco who probably wants my seat, and if not, Pierre [Gasly]’s as well. And I wanted their seats while I was reserve driver the last two years. So I’m going to enjoy, to be honest, every race as if it’s my last because I want to enjoy each and every moment I’m in the car.”
More F1… [VERDICT] [COMMENT]
For Doohan, the noise surrounding his future has been deafening. The 22-year-old has been placed in a situation unprecedented in the modern era of F1. However, the son of motorbike legend Mick Doohan remains cool under pressure.
“I haven’t been thinking about any of that,” he stated defiantly ahead of his home race. “There’s no point thinking about rumours or commenting on them. I have a contract for at least this year, if not more. So I look forward to many home Grands Prix.”