Jack Doohan’s unfortunate DRS incident in Japan may ...read more

Jack Doohan’s unfortunate DRS incident in Japan may have been the turning point that ended his F1 hopes.

Jack Doohan, the 22-year-old Australian rookie driving for Alpine, faced a significant setback during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. A high-speed crash during Friday’s practice session not only raised concerns about his immediate safety but also cast a shadow over his burgeoning Formula 1 career.

During the second free practice session, Doohan’s car lost control at the rapid first corner of the Suzuka circuit, resulting in a collision with the barriers at approximately 331 km/h. The crash was attributed to a possible failure to manually deactivate the Drag Reduction System (DRS) before entering the corner, leading to a significant loss of downforce and stability. This type of error is considered a fundamental oversight, especially given the high-speed nature of the corner.

Following the crash, Doohan communicated via team radio to confirm he was unharmed. He underwent medical examinations, which cleared him of any serious injuries, including concussion. Despite the severity of the accident, Doohan was deemed fit to continue participating in the race weekend.

Starting from 19th on the grid, Doohan managed to finish the race in 15th position. This performance was considered respectable, given the challenging overtaking conditions at Suzuka and the psychological impact of his earlier crash. Alpine’s team principal, Oliver Oakes, commended Doohan’s resilience and ability to complete the race distance under such circumstances.

Despite completing the race, onboard footage revealed that Doohan required assistance to exit his car, suggesting he may have been concealing injuries sustained during the practice crash. This has led to speculations about a potential violation of FIA regulations, which mandate that drivers must be able to exit their vehicle unassisted within five seconds. Such concerns have intensified scrutiny over Doohan’s fitness and the decision to allow him to race.

Furthermore, this incident has fueled rumors about Doohan’s future with Alpine. Reports indicate that Argentine reserve driver Franco Colapinto, who narrowly missed securing a race seat for the 2025 season, is being considered as a potential replacement. Colapinto’s strong backing and recent performances have positioned him as a viable candidate, adding pressure on Doohan to demonstrate consistent and error-free performances in upcoming races.

Jack Doohan’s crash during the Japanese Grand Prix serves as a pivotal moment in his early Formula 1 career. While he showcased determination by completing the race post-incident, the circumstances surrounding the crash and its aftermath have raised questions about his readiness and the potential impact on his future in the sport. As the season progresses, Doohan will need to focus on delivering consistent performances to solidify his position within the team and the broader F1 landscape.