Oliver Bearman Blasts Alpine F1’s Brutal Treatment of Jack Doohan

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman has criticized Alpine F1’s treatment of Jack Doohan after the Australian driver was dropped from his race seat just six races into the 2025 Formula 1 season. Alpine replaced Doohan with Franco Colapinto, a move rumored since Colapinto joined the team as a test and reserve driver in January.

The decision sparked questions among several drivers and team members, especially as the F1 season is still in its early stages and many rookies are still adapting to new tracks and the latest generation of cars.

Bearman shared his thoughts with reporters before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. He explained that, as a rookie himself, he understands the pressure new drivers face from the very first race.

He pointed out that four of the opening six tracks were new experiences for the series’ young competitors. Bearman also mentioned that two of these rounds were sprint events, which add to the challenge for rookies.

For Doohan, who had limited time to learn and prove himself, being replaced before getting to the more familiar European circuits seemed especially harsh. Bearman described the team’s move as “incredibly harsh” and felt it was unfair that Doohan was removed before he could race at tracks he already knew from his previous experience in lower categories.

Franco Colapinto arrived at Alpine after impressing as a Williams academy driver last season, showing strong speed despite a few crashes. The F1 paddock knew Doohan’s contract contained a performance clause, allowing him to be dropped after six races if results did not meet team expectations.

Still, Bearman said that even talented drivers need more time and support to adapt to Formula 1’s demands, especially with unpredictable cars and tight competition.

Isack Hadjar, another rookie with Racing Bulls, echoed Bearman’s comments. Hadjar said the environment around Doohan felt tense even before the season started, and that six races was not enough time for a rookie to show their true abilities, especially when racing in a car that was not among the fastest on the grid.

Both Hadjar and Bearman believe that constant pressure and quick decisions do not create the best conditions for development.

On the other side of the debate, veteran driver Fernando Alonso argued that rookie drivers today have more preparation than ever before. Alonso noted that the modern F1 pathway involves experience in Formula 3, Formula 2, simulator work, and testing programs. You can find more on the FIA’s official guide to motorsport progression which highlights the structured development of drivers in motorsport.

He compared his own debut in 2001, where he received much less support, and said that the situation for current rookies is different now.

Flavio Briatore, who returned to a key management role at Alpine, was involved in choosing Colapinto to replace Doohan. Briatore has a long history in F1, including managing Alonso’s early career and making strategic decisions about drivers within the Renault and Alpine organizations.

The decision by Alpine to switch drivers early in the season has renewed debate about the pressures faced by young drivers and how much time they should be given to adapt to Formula 1. While some see swift changes as part of modern F1’s demand for results, others like Bearman believe patience and support are needed for rookies to truly show their potential. The challenges faced by new drivers in this high-pressure environment can remind fans of the intensity seen in other motorsport disciplines, such as drag racing, where teams like the NHRA’s top-performing crews renowned for their precision and teamwork, thrive under pressure.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.