Ralf Schumacher Questions Alpine’s Support for Jack Doohan Amidst Replacement Rumors

Formula 1 rookie Jack Doohan is facing criticism from none other than six-time grand prix winner, Ralf Schumacher. The German pundit has questioned the way Alpine is handling Doohan’s struggles in the sport, suggesting that the team may be looking to replace him.

Rumors of Replacement Swirl Around Doohan

Before the 2025 season even began, rumors surfaced that Doohan could be replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto. The first three weekends of the season have done little to dispel these threats, with crashes in Australia and China, as well as a freak crash in FP2 at Suzuka, not helping his cause.

As a result, Doohan remains on zero points for the 2025 season, leading Schumacher to ponder whether he will even race in this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. However, no official announcement of his replacement has been made, and it is likely that Doohan will remain in the car for Sakhir.

Schumacher Questions Team Support and Hints at Preferred Driver

Schumacher has questioned the level of support shown by Alpine and hinted that team advisor Flavio Briatore would prefer someone else in the car. This could pave the way for Colapinto, who was allowed to rack up mileage as part of the testing of previous car [TPC] regulation at Monza.

Sorry, but if you don’t want to replace Doohan, why would you already let Colapinto drive [in the TPC test]?” Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. “It’s all piling up,” added the six-time grand prix winner, who believes Alpine isn’t handling the situation well.

Schumacher Questions Team Decisions Regarding Doohan and Hirakawa

Schumacher could not understand why Alpine replaced Doohan with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for FP1 in Japan. Hirakawa even left immediately after the weekend. “First they didn’t let him [Doohan] drive, which is a disaster on a new track,” said Schumacher. “You can tell there’s no support from the team. They could’ve done that with Gasly in Bahrain instead.

Schumacher Believes Doohan Must Take Responsibility for His Struggles

Schumacher still believes though that Doohan must take some blame for his tough start to the year, having also collected four penalty points in Shanghai for causing a collision and forcing another driver off track. “He did the same in Formula 2,” said Schumacher. “He goes for gaps that aren’t really there.

However, Schumacher passed the responsibility back to Alpine, stating that team boss Oliver Oakes, who he has spoken with, feels the same way.

Schumacher Offers Hope for Doohan

Schumacher hopes Doohan is able to perform in Bahrain, adding: “That’s Formula 1: if he delivers a good result, then the whole debate disappears – at least for now. That should be his next goal.