Doohan father says Alpine unfairly cut Jack after six races, hints at undisclosed reasons

Former MotoGP champion Mick Doohan says his son Jack was unfairly ousted from Alpine after just six races, noting the replacement was essentially pre‑arranged despite a long‑term contract. Jack now races a Formula 2‑spec car in Barcelona and serves as a reserve driver for Haas, while his father prepares for a 2026 LMP2 seat with Nielsen Racing. Mick Doohan’s own shift to endurance racing signals a broader trend of MotoGP veterans seeking new challenges beyond the grid.

Why it matters:

• Alpine’s abrupt dismissal of a contracted junior driver raises doubts about the security of academy pathways in F1.
• The episode spotlights how quickly teams can shift direction, potentially discouraging emerging talent.

The details:

• Jack Doohan debuted for Alpine in 2023, completed six Grands Prix, then was replaced by Franco Colapinto.
• Doohan Sr. told MARCA the replacement had been lined up before the season started, making the decision feel pre‑determined.
• After leaving Alpine, Jack raced in Barcelona in a Formula 2‑spec car and secured a reserve driver role with Haas, eyeing a full‑time F1 seat.

What's next:

• Jack will keep developing with Haas, hoping to turn his reserve slot into a race seat.
• Mick Doohan’s LMP2 campaign with Nielsen Racing, piloting an Oreca 07, will test how MotoGP veterans adapt to endurance racing in early 2026.