Alpine rookie Jack Doohan has once again shrugged off rumours suggesting he’s on the brink of being replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto, insisting he’s focused purely on performance, not paddock politics.
Ever since the young Aussie was confirmed for his first full Formula 1 season with Alpine, persistent rumours have linked Franco Colapinto to his seat — with another wave of speculation unfolding ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
But despite the whispers suggesting the Argentinian could be in Alpine’s car as soon as Imola, Doohan appeared relaxed and composed when addressing the media on Thursday.
“To be honest, the worst of it was in Jan, pre-season, when there was the most noise,” Doohan told the media in Miami, quote by Speedcafe.
“Nothing else going on, it was the talk of the town, but I think there was a new narrative each weekend.
“I knew what was irrelevant and what wasn’t true and just focused on my job. Even in the difficult times, I didn’t really ever feel affected by it.
“I had a good group of people around me. The team were also very supportive. I never had that or felt that on the back of my mind.”
"I'm immune to it"
Doohan has had a challenging start to the year and remains one of four drivers yet to score a point in 2025.
Still, team boss Oliver Oakes has repeatedly defended the young Australian, even as he admitted that Alpine’s own actions – including Colapinto’s appointment as reserve driver – have added fuel to the fire.
But for Doohan, the longevity of the narrative has dulled its impact.
“For sure, there’s always going to be noise, but I was more just focused on being as focused as I can in the car, rather than thinking about anything external,” he said.
“Potentially, since this topic’s been around for so long, by the time the season got started, maybe I was already so immune to it.
“If it might have started just a couple of days before Melbourne, it might have hindered me more.”
“No BS”: Briatore’s Brutal Honesty Encourages Doohan
One of the more intriguing dynamics at Alpine is Doohan’s relationship with team advisor and long-time F1 operator Flavio Briatore.
Despite speculation that Briatore – who also manages Doohan – might cut ties in favour of Colapinto, the Aussie credits the Italian’s directness with helping him maintain clarity.
“I love the brutal and very to the point way – there’s no BS, there’s no mucking around, you find out what’s going on very, very quickly,” Doohan said.
“I prefer that much more than Chinese whispers. Things were clear in what was happening. He was just wanting me to do well and the best will happen, and forget about the noise, forget about what’s going on, just do the best that I possibly can.
“Things are always out there for a reason, nothing gets out by mistake. It was just keeping my head down and doing my job and know what’s real and what’s wrong.”
Read also: Doohan slowly but surely solidifying spot with AlpineDespite his lack of results year-to-date, the 21-year-old remains pragmatic and grounded in the face of criticism.
“It’s your circumstances,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a target towards me, it’s just how it’s played out.
“I don’t take it personally, I just think this is our spot. This is how it is for my time right now. I’ll benefit from it, more than anything.”
For now, Doohan’s message is clear: the outside noise isn’t shaking his focus – and he’s not going anywhere quietly.
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‘No noise, just drive’: Doohan stays focused amid Miami rumours F1i.com.
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