Mick Doohan slams Alpine over Jack’s abrupt demotion

Jack Doohan’s brief tenure at Alpine ended in controversy, with his father Mick publicly condemning the team for what he called an “unfair” demotion. After six races the Australian was moved to a reserve role and left for Haas ahead of 2026, sparking debate over how junior drivers are treated in F1.

Why it matters:

Stable junior‑driver programmes are essential for talent pipelines and sponsor confidence. Alpine’s mid‑season swap sent a signal that even long‑term contracts can be overridden, potentially discouraging emerging talent from committing to teams that lack clear development pathways.

The details:

• 2024 debut – Jack was called up at the end of 2024, making his first appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• 2025 start – Alpine retained him for the opening round, but signed Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver, hinting at a shift in priorities.
• Mid‑season change – Six races in, Alpine announced a driver swap, demoting Doohan to reserve status and ending his race‑seat hopes for the year.
• Contract dispute – Mick Doohan noted his son had a “long‑term contract” and was the team’s first junior driver, yet Alpine “took a different direction.”
• New opportunity – Shortly after leaving Alpine, Haas announced Doohan as a reserve driver for 2026, emphasizing a more “committed to contracts” approach.
• Racing elsewhere – Jack competed in the European Le Mans Series in Barcelona, keeping his race‑craft sharp while eyeing an F1 return.

What’s next:

Doohan now aims to convert his Haas reserve role into a full‑time seat, leveraging his Le Mans experience and the backing of a team that promises contractual stability. Alpine, meanwhile, must balance short‑term performance moves with the long‑term credibility of its junior programme if it hopes to attract the next generation of talent.