The Japanese Grand Prix quickly became a focal point of speculation as Jack Doohan’s dramatic crash during the second practice session caught everyone’s attention. Jacques Villeneuve, observing from the commentator’s box, offered a stark assessment of Doohan’s driving, attributing it to desperation in trying to secure his position with Alpine.
Jack Doohan, entering the 2025 season as a rookie with Alpine, faced enormous pressure before even starting his first race. The rumors about his impending exit only intensified after Alpine announced Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver. The tension seemed to reach a boiling point as Doohan spun out at an alarming 180mph during FP2 in Japan. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed, but the incident has sparked a wave of analysis and concern.
Jacques Villeneuve, a voice of experience and insight, dissected the crash with the precision expected of a former World Champion. Observing the aggressive manner in which Doohan negotiated the corner, Villeneuve noted an unusual intensity in his driving. Doohan hadn’t run any laps in the morning, having ceded the FP1 session to rookie Ryo Hirakawa. Despite this, Doohan displayed a level of confidence in his car that seemed forced, a result of the pressure he’s under to prove himself better than his teammate, Pierre Gasly.
Villeneuve suggested that Doohan’s aggressive driving style was symptomatic of a driver under immense stress, trying to outperform expectations while feeling his seat was under threat. The aggressive turn, combined with a tailwind and hard tires not fully warmed up, created a perfect storm for the crash. Villeneuve speculated that a potential suspension failure could be to blame, although the exact cause remains hidden within the data.
Adding to Doohan’s challenges is the backdrop of team management decisions. Flavio Briatore, acting as an advisor to Alpine, has been notably critical, further fueling the young driver’s desperation. Doohan’s situation mirrors Liam Lawson’s earlier in the season, who was abruptly sent back to Racing Bulls after failing to impress Red Bull management.
As the Alpine team struggles to secure points this season, both Doohan and Gasly find themselves in a precarious position. Their collective struggle underscores the broader challenges the team faces, with the drivers striving to break into the points. Meanwhile, speculation looms over Doohan’s ability to complete the season, let alone secure a future in F1 with Alpine.
The intense pressure on Jack Doohan to perform may be taking a toll on his driving, as seen in his dramatic crash at Suzuka. Jacques Villeneuve’s observations point to a driver battling not just the track but internal team dynamics and expectations. As Alpine navigates these turbulent waters, the question remains whether Doohan can stabilize his performance and secure his place in Formula 1.
