The Australian presence on the Formula 1 grid has taken a significant hit this week. Jack Doohan, the 22-year-old Gold Coast native who only recently stepped up to the big leagues, has now effectively confirmed his departure from the Alpine F1 Team. He did so through a series of emotional social media updates. For local motorsport fans, it is a tough pill to swallow. Just months ago, the narrative focused on a new era of Australian dominance. Now, however, Daniel Ricciardo is out of the picture and Jack Doohan sits sidelined. As a result, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri stands alone as the only Australian flying the flag in the world’s most elite racing category.
A dream cut short
For many athletes, the transition to the top tier resembles a marathon. For Doohan, however, the 2025 season felt more like a frantic sprint. After years of grinding through the junior categories and serving as a reserve, he finally secured a full-time seat with Alpine. That opportunity, however, lasted just six Grand Prix events. The reality of the so-called “piranha club,” as the F1 paddock is often called, soon became clear. Alpine chose to pivot its driver strategy. Instead, the team brought in Argentine driver Franco Colapinto and later confirmed his contract extension through the 2026 season. As a result, the move effectively closed the door on Doohan’s immediate hopes of a return within the French squad.
The breaking point
Doohan’s short-lived campaign featured hurdles common for rookies. However, the intense pressure of Formula 1 magnified them. He struggled on Saturdays during qualifying and faced the inevitable learning curve of race-day penalties. Most notably, the biggest visual setback came in Japan. A heavy collision during a practice session at Suzuka left the team with a substantial repair bill. It also bruised Doohan’s reputation. While flashes of his father Mick Doohan’s legendary grit appeared at times, the results on paper failed to match the team’s immediate commercial and competitive demands.
Viral tributes and locker room love
Despite the clinical nature of his exit, Doohan’s standing within the team appears intact. On Instagram, he shared behind-the-scenes moments with his half-a-million followers. Notably, the images did not show podiums or trophies. Instead, they highlighted human connection—hugging mechanics, posing with staff, and reflecting on the moment he signed his first major contract.
Meanwhile, the sporting community responded quickly. High-profile Australians and international figures filled his comments with messages of support. Former professional surfer Cooper Chapman reminded him that he achieved what millions only dream of. At the same time, local entrepreneur Adrian Portelli noted that Australian fans remain firmly in his corner. Even Alpine colleagues, including race engineer Cristoforo Pirro, expressed genuine fondness. Together, their reactions suggested that while Doohan lost his seat, he did not lose the room.
The “Money” Factor
Among fans, frustration continues to simmer over how the situation unfolded. Many have pointed to the commercial influence behind Franco Colapinto’s arrival. In modern motorsport, financial backing often speaks as loudly as lap times. Consequently, the South American sponsorship tied to Colapinto has become difficult for fans to ignore. Across social media, sentiment reflects growing fatigue. Many supporters believe the sport increasingly sidelines raw talent in favour of so-called “pay drivers.” For Doohan, who climbed the ladder on merit and family legacy, the shift felt especially jarring to Australian fans.
Looking toward Japan and beyond
So, what happens next for a 22-year-old with an F1-calibre résumé and no seat? For now, the rumour mill continues to spin. Most signs point toward Japan’s Super Formula series as the next step. Notably, several successful F1 drivers have taken this route before, including Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson. Doohan has links to Kondo Racing, a Toyota-powered team. As a result, the move could offer the ideal platform to rebuild confidence and demonstrate his speed in high-downforce machinery. There is also the so-called “Haas factor.” Speculation suggests Mick Doohan is actively holding discussions with the Haas F1 team. With Toyota now forming a technical partnership with Haas, the door may not be fully closed. Instead, a return in 2026 or 2027 remains a realistic possibility.
A quiet grid for Aussies
For casual viewers in Sydney or Melbourne, next season’s F1 broadcasts will feel different. The promised “Aussie invasion” has now shrunk to a single car. While Oscar Piastri continues to impress at McLaren, Doohan’s absence removes another reason for fans to set alarms for 3:00 AM European race starts. Still, Jack Doohan is young. In a sport where drivers often find a second wind in their mid-20s, this farewell may prove temporary. For now, however, images of him hugging his crew offer a clear reminder. In Formula 1, the lights can go out quickly.
Jack Doohan Next Chapter
What Happens Next?
