Jack Doohan Faces Tough Criticism as Helmut Marko Questions His Future
Jack Doohan has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons as Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, delivered a harsh verdict on the Alpine rookie. Ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, Marko branded Doohan a “C-rate” driver and cast doubt on his ability to last the season. This brutal assessment has added immense pressure on the young Australian, who is already battling speculation that his time at Alpine could be cut short.
Doohan, the son of Australian motorcycling legend Mick Doohan, was announced as Pierre Gasly’s teammate for the 2025 season. However, his contract reportedly covers only the first few races, fueling speculation that Alpine is keeping its options open. The primary candidate rumored to replace him? Franco Colapinto, Alpine’s newly signed reserve driver, who has been making waves with his performances.
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Marko didn’t hold back in his critique. Speaking on Red Bull’s in-house Servus TV, the 81-year-old was asked to grade Doohan and simply responded, “He is a ‘C’. I don’t think he will complete the season.” This stark remark has only intensified discussions about Doohan’s future, with fans and analysts now questioning whether he can prove his worth before Alpine makes a decisive move.
Despite these rumors, there are voices defending Doohan. Franco Colapinto’s manager recently took to social media, condemning the “abuse” directed at Doohan amid the swirling speculation. He urged fans to support both drivers and avoid unnecessary hostility, emphasizing that Colapinto’s time will come when the opportunity is right. Meanwhile, former Haas boss-turned-analyst Guenther Steiner weighed in, calling the speculation exaggerated and stating that every driver in F1 faces pressure to perform.
Doohan’s career path has already seen significant shifts. He spent four years in Red Bull’s junior academy before moving to Alpine’s program in 2022. While he has shown promise, Formula 1 is a ruthless sport where results speak louder than potential. With the pressure mounting, Doohan will need to deliver standout performances in the opening races if he wants to secure his seat for the rest of the season.
Adding to the drama, Marko also shared his views on other rookies in the 2025 grid. He categorized Gabriel Bortoleto as a “B” driver, highlighting his intelligence and consistency but questioning his outright speed. Meanwhile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been hailed as the most exciting talent since Max Verstappen, though Marko acknowledged the immense pressure on the young Mercedes driver.
As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Jack Doohan. Can he silence his critics and prove Marko wrong, or will Alpine make an early-season switch? The next few races could be career-defining for the young Australian, making this one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in the 2025 F1 season.
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