Helmut Marko gives blunt verdict on Jack Doohan amidst Franco Colapinto’s Alpine arrival
Helmut Marko put forth a short and simple verdict on Jack Doohan's debut performance at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP.
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Jack Doohan, Helmut Marko and Franco Colapinto (images via Planetf1)
Alpine confirmed Jack Doohan as the driver to partner Pierre Gasly at Alpine in 2025. Doohan received the opportunity to debut with the team during the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The team did not create a big buzz around the Australian driving for the first time. Moreover, the team paid a massive sum to acquire Franco Colapinto from Williams ahead of the season’s commencement. Speaking upon the lack of enthusiasm around Doohan’s debut, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko put forth a blunt remark.
Williams allegedly demanded over $20 Million from Red Bull in the past just to release Franco Colapinto from their squad. Hence, this meant that even Alpine paid an undisclosed amount to the Grove-based constructor. This meant that Colapinto would be the safety net if Jack Doohan failed to perform well.
Doohan could only deem a P15 finish at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP despite Alpine’s recently improving pace. Helmut Marko had a blunt and straightforward answer to the question of the Australian’s debut. Marko didn’t hesitate to assert that he expected more performance from the 21-year-old at his debut race in Formula 1.
There should have been more.
Helmut Marko told F1-Insider
Helmut Marko’s damning five-word verdict on under-pressure Jack Doohan:
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) January 13, 2025
— Red Bull’s Helmut Marko shared a critical view on Jack Doohan’s F1 debut, saying,
“There should have been more.”
— Jack Doohan replaced Esteban Ocon at Abu Dhabi for his debut, qualifying slowest and… pic.twitter.com/UpIVzP5XlA
Flavio Briatore makes bold remark over Jack Doohan’s future
Jack Doohan’s performance in junior categories was good enough for a move up to Formula 1 but he hasn’t won any championships yet. As a result, Alpine is more or less waging less expectations over the debutant. Crashgate mastermind Flavio Briatore who recently joined the team put forth a bold statement over Doohan’s career.
Briatore claimed that the team was ‘guaranteed’ to investigate Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly’s individual performances over the season. If the driver was unable to make positive progress, he would be changed immediately. The Italian reckoned that one couldn’t be too emotional in Formula 1 before making such difficult decisions.
The only thing we can be sure of is death! We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses. If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.
Flavio Briatore told Le Parisien
Alpine scored a massive turnaround in performance in the 2024 season after scoring a double-podium and consistent points. The team must ensure that they start the season off on a high, unlike the start of this season. Regardless, the upcoming season is set to be highly interesting due to multiple rookies entering the paddock against some highly experienced drivers.
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Aditya Pandya
(1436 Articles Published)