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Ralf Schumacher Critiques Alpine’s Handling of Jack Doohan

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has voiced concerns about Alpine’s management of rookie driver Jack Doohan. According to Schumacher, the team’s approach is contributing significantly to the young Australian’s difficulties this season.

Rumors of a potential replacement for Doohan, possibly by reserve driver Franco Colapinto, have circulated since before the 2025 season commenced. After three races, these speculations have only intensified, particularly in light of Doohan’s unfortunate incidents during the races, including crashes at the Australian Grand Prix and the China sprint, followed by a mishap in practice at Suzuka.

As Doohan remains without points this season, Schumacher raised questions about whether he would continue as Alpine’s driver for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix. Though no formal announcement regarding his replacement has been made, it appears likely that Doohan will still be in the car for the race in Sakhir.

Schumacher has specifically criticized Alpine’s level of support for Doohan. He implied that team advisor Flavio Briatore may prefer Colapinto in the seat, especially after the latter was given the opportunity to drive during a TPC regulation test at Monza.

“If there’s no intention to replace Doohan, then why was Colapinto allowed to test?” Schumacher remarked on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. “It’s all piling up,” he noted, expressing his belief that the management situation is being mishandled by Alpine.

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Schumacher was puzzled by the decision to substitute Doohan with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the opening practice session in Japan, especially since Hirakawa left the team shortly after the weekend concluded. “Not letting Doohan drive on a new track is a disaster,” Schumacher stated. “This shows a lack of support from the team.” He suggested that the team’s main driver, Pierre Gasly, could have taken the hit instead in Bahrain.

Despite his critiques of Alpine’s handling of the situation, Schumacher acknowledged that Doohan must also shoulder some of the blame. The rookie has faced penalties for on-track incidents, including four penalty points received in Shanghai for a collision and forcing another driver off the track. “He has a tendency to go for gaps that aren’t there, as he did in Formula 2,” Schumacher remarked.

Nevertheless, Schumacher believes the ultimate responsibility lies with the team, including team leader Oliver Oakes, whom he claims shares his concerns. In closing, Schumacher expressed hope that Doohan can turn things around in Bahrain, stating, “In Formula 1, if he delivers a good result, all these debates could disappear, at least temporarily. That should be his next goal.”

In this article

Norman Fischer

Formula 1

Ralf Schumacher

Jack Doohan

Franco Colapinto

Alpine

Source
www.motorsport.com