Jack Doohan’s weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix became a test of endurance rather than speed.
The Australian racer faced a challenging start when his preparations were hindered right from the beginning. On Friday, Doohan’s track time was severely limited as Ryo Hirakawa took over the initial session, and a crash early in FP2 meant even more disruption.
Despite these setbacks, Doohan took to the track on Sunday, starting 19th on the grid with a bold strategy in mind—opting for soft tires initially. As the race unfolded, Doohan managed to climb up a few slots to finish 15th, though the race itself was uneventful, with no incidents or safety cars to capitalize on for any significant advancement.
Throughout the race, the pressure did not subside. Doohan’s choice to run a long stint on hard tires meant he had to play defense against Nico Hulkenberg, a task that seemed to take its toll. When the race concluded, onboard footage revealed a visibly exhausted Doohan struggling to exit his Alpine vehicle, ultimately needing help from the marshals and fellow driver Esteban Ocon to leave the car.
Speculation arose about the state of his health following the crash on Friday. Although he passed all necessary medical checks, concerns lingered regarding his physical state. However, the consensus is that his exhaustion was due more to a grueling weekend rather than any serious injury.
Adding to the weekend’s tension was the looming presence of potential replacement Franco Colapinto. The young Argentinian driver was busy impressing at Monza with testing sessions in an older Alpine model, a move interpreted by some as a strategic play by Alpine. Doohan, now fighting to uphold his position amidst this growing competitive pressure, has even greater reason to feel the strain.
Reflecting on the race, Doohan admitted that his strategy was perhaps overly aggressive. ‘I pushed like a dog,’ he said, describing how the approach gave him a chance to improve track position but at the cost of tire durability towards the race’s end. Despite losing a hard-fought duel with Williams’ Carlos Sainz, Doohan remained reflective, finding value in the experience and the lessons learned.
As Jack Doohan navigates the intense world of Formula 1, his performance at the Japanese Grand Prix was a reminder of both the physical and mental challenges drivers face. With the pressure to prove himself ever-present, the Australian driver must continue to balance aggressive strategies with endurance, especially against the backdrop of rising talents vying for his seat.
