BREAKING:Ralf Schumacher Predicts Jack Doohan’s Departure from Alpine Amid…read more
BREAKING:Ralf Schumacher Predicts Jack Doohan’s Departure from Alpine Amid…read more
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has raised concerns about Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine, suggesting that the young Australian’s time with the team could be limited. This follows ongoing rumors surrounding a potential driver swap within the team.
Schumacher, who has built a reputation for offering blunt and honest opinions as a pundit for Sky F1 Germany, made his comments during the *Backstage Pit Lane* podcast. The 49-year-old, known for his candid assessments, previously criticized Red Bull for their decision to drop Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2024 season. Red Bull replaced Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after the Kiwi struggled with the RB21.
Turning his attention to Doohan, Schumacher noted that the 22-year-old’s performance so far has not lived up to expectations. After finishing 15th on his debut in Abu Dhabi, failing to finish at the Australian Grand Prix, and only securing 13th in Shanghai while accumulating penalty points, Doohan has faced a difficult start to the season.
Schumacher believes that Alpine may soon part ways with Doohan, stating, “It’s a bit of a forced marriage, and I don’t get the feeling [Flavio] Briatore thinks much of him. He doesn’t cover himself in much glory and makes a lot of mistakes.” Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, has previously expressed enthusiasm about the team’s reserve drivers, including the promising Franco Colapinto, a former Williams driver.
With several reserve drivers eyeing an opportunity, Schumacher’s comments point to a growing likelihood that Doohan will not see through his current contract with Alpine. “I think his days at Alpine are numbered,” he concluded.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Alpine to see how the driver lineup evolves, with the possibility of a mid-season change becoming ever more likely.
