Jack Doohan has revealed that Alpine has reassured him about his place in Formula 1 amid rumours that Franco Colapinto is being lined up to replace him mid-season.
Doohan is gearing up to embark on his rookie campaign in the sport having been chosen to replace the departed Esteban Ocon to partner the established Pierre Gasly.
However, the Enstone-based squad negotiating a deal with Williams to acquire Colapinto has triggered speculation that he is set to take Doohan’s spot at some stage.
Williams boss James Vowles added more substance to such claims when he revealed that Colapinto’s release to Alpine could even secure him a return to F1 this season.
The Argentine had impressed in an interim spell with Williams last time around, but Carlos Sainz’s arrival resigned him not to retaining his drive at the Grove-based squad.
But Doohan, who conducted his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi in December, dismissed the mounting reports surrounding his position, citing that pressure is inevitable in the sport.
Asked what Alpine has told him about Colapinto’s role, Doohan told media including Motorsport Week at the F1 75 event: “I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver.
“I think regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world. I know when I was a go-karter in Formula 3, Formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.
“I don’t think necessarily if it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cutthroat sport.
“Whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it, and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”
Doohan not feeling Colapinto pressure at Alpine
Pressed on whether Colapinto’s presence has made him feel undermined at Alpine, the Australian highlighted that he was in the exact same role this time 12 months ago.
“I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract, but no, I don’t,” he replied. “Maybe I should? I don’t really understand that question, but definitely not.”
Doohan eager to learn from Gasly
Doohan, who has been embedded in the Alpine setup since 2022, expressed that he is eager to draw on Gasly’s vast experience in the sport to negotiate his maiden season.
“I’ve been, obviously, a team-mate directly in the car for the last two years, but from, let’s say, a third person point of view, looking in and seeing Pierre as a driver and obviously him being so richly experienced now, a race winner, podium finisher, an exceptional driver in Formula 1,” he assessed.
“So to be partnered up against him is great and I’m sure it’ll be amazing for me to learn off him and increase my capabilities in Formula 1 car.”
READ MORE – James Vowles confirms Franco Colapinto will return to Williams
