Jack Doohan Crashes in Same Corner for Third Consecutive Day

Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan has crashed at the exact same corner for the third day in a row during a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The repeated incident highlights a persistent issue for the young Australian driver as he continues his development program with the French team.

Why it matters:

For a driver on the cusp of a potential Formula 1 race seat, consistency and error-free running are paramount. Recurring crashes at the same corner, even in testing, raise questions about a driver's ability to learn from mistakes and adapt, which are critical traits for any F1 hopeful. This pattern could impact team confidence in Doohan's readiness for a promotion.

The details:

• The crash occurred at Turn 5 during a private test session, marking the third consecutive day Doohan has lost control of the Alpine A522 at that specific point on the Barcelona circuit.
• While the car sustained damage, Doohan was reported to be unharmed. The repeated nature of the incident suggests a specific, unresolved challenge with the car's setup or Doohan's approach to that particular corner complex.
• Private testing is a valuable but limited resource for reserve drivers, making any lost track time—especially due to avoidable incidents—a significant setback in their development.

Between the lines:

The pressure on Doohan is immense. As the son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan and a highly-rated prospect within the Alpine Academy, every outing is scrutinized. These repeated errors, while part of the learning curve, come at a time when Alpine is evaluating its future driver lineup and Doohan is vying to prove he deserves a shot at Esteban Ocon's soon-to-be-vacant seat for 2025 or beyond. The team will be looking for immediate signs of correction and progress.