Jack Doohan has opened up on his emotions and expectations ahead of the Australian’s full Formula 1 debut on home soil this weekend – while shutting down further questions over reserve driver Franco Colapinto’s role at Alpine.
Doohan, who made his maiden Grand Prix appearance with the Enstone-based team at last year’s Abu Dhabi season finale, has been preparing to go full-time in 2025 as one of several rookie drivers on the grid.
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With F1 kicking off its campaign at Melbourne’s Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit for the first time since 2019, it is an extra special feeling for 22-year-old Doohan as he competes in front of a passionate Aussie crowd.
Asked for his standout feelings, Doohan smiled: “To be honest, I’m super keen just to get on the track. It’s been so much build up, a long time since we finished in Abu Dhabi, it feels. I’m excited to get to tomorrow, get FP1 under way and enjoy actually driving these race cars.”
Doohan was speaking in Thursday’s driver press conference at Albert Park
In terms of the goals he has set, Doohan made clear: “To enjoy it. Enjoy each time I’m on track, because number one that’s why I’m here, because I enjoy what I do.
“[I want] to work hard with the team, ensure that we’ve extracted everything we could from Bahrain pre-season testing and put that into play for this weekend. Then to deliver on track, with whatever the car’s potential is.”
As has been the case during media sessions throughout the year, Doohan was pressed about the presence of 2024 Williams super-sub Colapinto, who recently signed on as an Alpine reserve driver.
Further additions to Alpine’s driver pool mean that Kush Maini, Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa are also providing back-up to Doohan and Pierre Gasly for the season ahead.
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“Great question!” Doohan sarcastically replied, when asked if he is feeling any extra pressure – prompting a laugh from journalists in the room. “To be honest, I haven’t been thinking about any of that, because as you all know, there’s no point thinking about rumours or commenting on them.
“I have a contract for at least this year, if not more, so I look forward to many home Grands Prix. The uncertainties, you don’t bother worrying about them anyway.
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“I think I have to perform each and every time I’m in the car, regardless of… I had one guy chasing my seat, we actually have four now… if you didn’t realise we have four reserve drivers. All four of them, not just Franco, probably wants my seat, and if not Pierre’s as well.
“I wanted [the race drivers’] seats while I was reserve driver the last two years… I’m going to enjoy every race as [if] it’s my last. I want to enjoy each and every moment that I’m in the car. There’s not much more to add on that.”
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