Jack Doohan’s future in doubt after Suzuka crash: Franco Colapinto set for Bahrain?. Ralf Schumacher Tips Colapinto to Replace Doohan After Costly Mistake.

The crash during free practice in Japan could prove decisive for Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine. The Australian rookie, who never won over Flavio Briatore even before the new season began (recall his debut in Abu Dhabi 2024), is trying to convince team management to back him for the medium and long term, but the mistake that led to the total destruction of the A524 may be serious enough to cost him his seat.

Jack Doohan, who had to give up FP1 in Suzuka to make way for Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, immediately tried to push the limits by tackling the challenging Turn 1 with DRS open. The result was disastrous, to the point that he also reportedly suffered some physical consequences (pain in a hand and leg), at least based on what was observed after the race, when he was seen struggling to exit the cockpit and limping to the weigh-in area with Esteban Ocon’s help.

Immediate farewell, says Ralf Schumacher
While winter rumours (never denied by Flavio Briatore) suggested he would have five Grands Prix to prove he deserves the seat, the exit might come even earlier, on the eve of Bahrain. Ralf Schumacher is convinced of this, speaking clearly on Sky Deutschland.

“Hirakawa in the first free practice session was immediately as quick as Gasly [even finishing ahead, editor’s note]. Then Jack Doohan got in the car and made a fatal mistake. The team will analyze the situation, talk to him, and I’m curious to see what happens next, but it’s by no means certain he’ll be on the grid in Bahrain.”

Franco Colapinto training in Monza
Right after Friday’s crash, rumours circulated that Jack Doohan had fractured his hand (later denied by the team and the medical center, which cleared him despite the difficulties seen after the race). At that time, it was also confirmed that Franco Colapinto was not present in Suzuka, suggesting Hirakawa might step in if Jack Doohan were physically unfit. The reason became clear a few hours later: the Argentine was in Monza for a test session with the 2023 car. Has a training program begun to prepare him for a potential replacement?