Ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert, a man well acquainted with Flavio Briatore’s ruthless management style, insists Jack Doohan’s race seat with Alpine is anything but secure.
The arrival of Franco Colapinto as the Enstone squad’s reserve driver – a move orchestrated directly by Briatore, the team executive advisor – has cast a long shadow over Doohan’s position within the team.
While Alpine publicly insists the latter will be given a fair chance to prove his worth, many, including Herbert, believe the young Australian driver is under immense pressure to perform.
Herbert: Doohan Is ‘On Borrowed Time’
Herbert minced no words when assessing Doohan’s situation
“I think Jack Doohan will believe he’s on borrowed time already. When I’m speaking to people, they feel exactly the same thing,” commented the FIA F1 steward.
Herbert believes Doohan’s performance relative to teammate Pierre Gasly will be the deciding factor.
“Doohan has got to deliver, and if he doesn’t deliver against Pierre Gasly – I know Flavio Briatore very well – Doohan will be out,” he added.
“He’ll be out as quick as he blinks. So, the pressure’s on his shoulders now for him to perform.”
©Alpine
Herbert didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Formula 1.
“That’s part of the sport, unfortunately. Especially in Formula 1, it’s not always full of budding roses,” he explained.
“It’s a massive amount of pressure for Doohan, but that’s what the deal is. You have to get in the car and you have to perform.”
Gasly’s Stronghold and Colapinto’s Shadow
Doohan’s challenge is further amplified by Gasly’s secure standing within the team.
“Gasly is a driver that is very comfortable in the team at the present time,” he said. “There’s a lot of support for him in that team, obviously being a Frenchman.
Herbert also stressed the psychological toll of having Colapinto, a highly-rated young driver, constantly lurking.
“He’ll be there on TV with him sort of over the shoulder of Briatore and wherever it may be. And that’s where all those little elements of doubt start to come into play. And doubt is something you definitely do not want.”
A Battle of Performance and Perception
With Briatore’s history of bold, high-stakes decisions, Colapinto’s presence is more than symbolic.
For Doohan, the task is crystal clear: deliver strong performances from day one or risk being replaced by a rising star with momentum on his side.
While Alpine insists that Doohan will have his opportunity, the looming figure of the young Argentine suggests otherwise. In Formula 1, there’s little room for error—and even less time to blink.
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