In a shocking turn of events, Jack Doohan, the once-promising star of Formula 1, faced an agonizing debut in his new racing chapter, crashing not once, but twice at the same perilous corner during post-season testing. The 22-year-old Australian, who was unceremoniously dropped by Alpine after only six races in his rookie season, has found himself in a tumultuous position as he seeks redemption in the racing world.
Doohan’s F1 journey started with high hopes, but it quickly spiraled into disappointment as he was replaced by Franco Colapinto, a driver who failed to score any points during the remaining 18 races of the 2025 season. Left in limbo, Doohan remained as a test and reserve driver for Alpine, yet he was sidelined again as Paul Aron took over the practice sessions under rookie regulations. The stakes were high, but the promise of a full-time seat for 2026 slipped through his fingers, leaving him in a precarious situation.
With Colapinto securing the seat and gearing up for the new regulations set to reshape the sport in 2026, Doohan made a bold move to pivot his career. Eyeing a switch to Super Formula, he recently embarked on a three-day post-season test with Kondo Racing at the iconic Mugello Circuit in Italy. However, this transition has not gone as planned. In a grim twist, Doohan crashed on both Wednesday and Thursday, hitting the same corner and leaving his mark on the barriers.
Each incident told a different story: the first crash saw him spinning out, colliding with the barriers from the rear, while the second was a more direct assault, with the front of his Super Formula car slamming into the barriers. Fortunately, Doohan emerged unscathed from both episodes, but the damage to his car was a stark reminder of the challenges he faces ahead.
The question now lingers: will Doohan ever make a successful return to Formula 1? His prospects look dim, especially after being overlooked for a seat at the newly formed Cadillac team, which opted for seasoned drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. This situation could lead to a year on the sidelines for Doohan in 2026, underscoring his urgent need to succeed in Super Formula to keep his racing dreams alive.
Despite the setbacks, Doohan’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Teams across the grid will undoubtedly remember his struggles, especially given that Colapinto’s performance in the 2025 Alpine mirrored his own. If Doohan can rise to the challenge and contend for the Super Formula championship next season, he may find himself back in the conversation for an F1 seat by 2027. The pressure is on, and all eyes will be on the young Australian as he battles to reclaim his place in the fast-paced world of motorsport.
