Aussie racing legend Mark Skaife slams Alpine’s handling of Jack Doohan, calling it “horrible” and “harsh” after the young driver was dropped just six races into his rookie F1 season.
Doohan, 22, was recently sidelined by Alpine just six races into the 2025 Formula 1 season. He has been replaced by Franco Colapinto, who is set to race in his place for the next five Grands Prix.
It’s been a tough debut season for Doohan. He crashed out on the opening lap of his home Grand Prix in Australia and damaged his car again during practice in Japan. Another first-lap retirement followed in Miami after a collision with Liam Lawson.
MORE: Jack Doohan dropped by Alpine: Aussie F1 star to sit out next five races
Despite rumours about his future, the decision from Alpine to drop Doohan still came as a shock to many. Alpine’s move has sparked significant backlash, with Australian racing legend Skaife calling out the decision.
“I think it’s horrible,” Skaife told Speedcafe.
“All the media speculation coming into the season was such that he only had a few races, and you can’t go about your business as a young bloke in his rookie year with that level of tension and drama unfolding in the background.
“I really felt for him. I didn’t like the way it was done and the way the team handled it.
“Whether that was a ‘captain’s call’ from [Flavio] Briatore (Alpine Team Principal) or whoever it was, that was very harsh and pretty ordinary behaviour.”
Meanwhile, Colapinto has also been struggling to impress with his F1 debut.
Colapinto crashed out in Q1 at Imola, starting and finishing in 16th. In Monaco, he was the slowest in practice and qualifying, and only managed a 13th-place finish.
This weekend marks Colapinto’s third appearance out of the five races promised by Alpine. His performances over the next few rounds could have a major impact, not just on his future, but also on whether Doohan is given another chance.
Skaife believes Doohan’s path back into F1 isn’t closed and another chance will hopefully be on the horizon.
“I think he’s just got to put his head down and if he does get an opportunity as a reserve driver, go and do a good job, whether it’s back on the simulator or wherever he can help," he said.
“Having a strong work ethic and mature attitude to the circumstances will serve him well, because I think everyone in the industry accepts he was hard done by.
“If there is an opportunity for him moving forward, then he’s got to grab it with both hands.”
The main race is scheduled to begin at 11:00 pm AEST on Sunday, June 1.