Oliver Bearman led the reaction from a number of Formula 1 drivers to the decision from Alpine to drop Jack Doohan, with the Brit describing the decision as “very harsh”.
The Australian was replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto ahead of this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the Argentinian being guaranteed five races to prove whether he is worthy of maintaining the drive.
Speculation as to whether Colapinto would eventually replace Doohan was rife before the season even began, and the confirmation of the switch seemed like a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.
Asked whether Doohan was given enough time, fellow rookie Bearman, speaking to media including Motorsport Week, was damning in his opinion on the decision.
“Honestly, no,” the Haas driver answered, “I think it’s very difficult in that situation to have that pressure weighing over your head already from race one.
“I can only imagine it’s a horrible situation and I feel like his treatment was very unfair. Coming from his position, being a rookie myself, it’s very difficult, especially in the first quarter of the season.
“We’ve gone to, I think, four out of six tracks that have been new for us as rookies. We’ve had two Sprint events which are even more difficult for us as rookies.
“And before you even get to the European season where they’re the tracks he knows, he’s already thrown out of the car. So, yeah, incredibly harsh in my opinion.”
Bearman pointed-out that his sensational F1 debut – finishing in the points for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia last year – was partly down to the drivability of the car, and that the Alpine car would be tougher for a rookie to driving, prompting him to said: “I don’t think they [Alpine] factored much in” when it came to the decision.
‘It smelled a bit bad’ – Hadjar scathing of Alpine decision
A fellow rookie in Isack Hadjar was equally scathing of the decision to drop Doohan, referring to the pre-existing speculation that his drive was under threat before he had even completed one Grand Prix.
“Even before the season it smelled a bit bad,” the Racing Bulls driver told media including Motorsport Week.
“He entered the season with a lot of pressure, expectations. So not a really good environment – and it feels quite unfair, because six races in, he didn’t have much time to show anything, and it’s not like he has a rocketship as well.
“A bit harsh.”
Esteban Ocon, who raced for the French squad for five seasons before acrimoniously moving to partner Bearman at Haas, was pointed in his comments about the team’s handling of the situation.
“It’s unfortunately not really any surprise, from some of the decisions that have been taken recently from that team,” he said.
“Sad for Jack, I’m sure he will be back in Formula 1 at some point, he’s shown some really strong moments this year, he’s qualified super well, he’s been super quick in the car which was good to see.”
The Frenchman did however give praise to Colapinto, and lamented the lack of space on the grid for all the drivers that he feels should be on it.
“On the other hand, also Franco deserves to be in F1. Last year, he’s shown some great things in the Williams car, and unfortunately there are not enough cars on the grid to fit the talent there is out there, but not much more to say.”
Lawson empathises with Doohan over ‘cut-throat’ F1
Another new full-time driver, Liam Lawson, has experienced the ruthlessness of F1 already, having been sent back to Racing Bulls to partner Hadjar after a tough first two Grands Prix with Red Bull.
The Kiwi can empathise with Doohan, and said his talent was worthy of F1 before his stint with Alpine, and continues to be so.
“Yeah I spoke to Jack. Obviously for him it’s very tough,” Lawson said. “I think he showed enough to stay in Formula 1 for sure. How can you be expected, in five races, to show everything you everything you have in your rookie season?
“Unfortunately it’s very cut-throat, but as Esteban said, he did enough for sure, even before F1 he did enough to be in F1 in the first place, and he’s done enough in F1 to come back, but also like Esteban said, with 20 seats, it’s very, very tough. Every team makes their own decisions.”
READ MORE – Alex Albon urges Franco Colapinto to ‘ignore’ initial Alpine five-race F1 deadline
