P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull Formula 1 advisor Helmut Marko was not excited by the performance of Jack Doohan as he finished 15th in his debut for Alpine.
Jack Doohan was signed up to drive alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2025 season in Formula 1, replacing Esteban Ocon after he left for Haas. However, Franco Colapinto was announced as a reserve driver for Alpine, raising speculation that Doohan might be replaced early in the season if he doesn’t perform well. Doohan expressed disappointment after qualifying last for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but was pleased with the overall experience despite the challenges he faced. While Helmut Marko believes Doohan could have done better, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer acknowledged that Doohan didn’t make major mistakes in his debut. Alpine’s executive director, Flavio Briatore, made it clear that performance will determine Doohan’s future in the team, emphasizing the importance of results over emotions in Formula 1. Financial aspects also play a role, as rumors suggest Alpine paid a significant fee for Colapinto’s services, potentially aiding in recouping money if a decision is made to replace Doohan during the season.
