The tensions increased during the Alpine press conference in the launch event of season F1 75 on Tuesday when the Australian Formula One star, Jack Doohan, sent questions about his place as one of the team's main drivers.
Aussie, 22, was pressed upon the arrival of Franco Colapinto, who was signed with the racing team based in Oxfordshire as a reserve pilot in January.
But the racing pilot born in Queensland insisted that he did not feel “undermined” by the arrival of Williams Argentino, with an Alpine press officer who proceeded uncomfortable to close questions about the matter.
“I have been told that he is a reserve driver,” Doohan said during a press conference at the O2 Arena in London on Tuesday while sitting with Pierre Gasly.
The decision to sign Colapinto has caused some questions about the future of the 22 -year -old in the team. The team's advisor, Flavio Briatore, has also added to speculation, claiming that Doohan would begin the season together with Gasly, with the team ready to make a decision about his drivers later.
“I think that independently, you are one of the 20 drivers of Formula 1 in the world, and I know that when I was in a kart, formula 3, formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.” Doohan added.
The Aussie F1 star, Jack Doohan, sent questions about the security of his seat on Tuesday
Doohan (left) and Pierre Gasly (right) appeared for a press event at the event live F1 75 for the launch of the 2025 season
Speculation has revolved around Doohan's position in Alpine after the arrival of the Franco Colapint reserve driver (in the photo)
“So I do not necessarily believe that someone inside the team, outside the team, you know, anyone who is working well, you will always have pressure on your shoulders, because you are in such a cut sport.
“But whatever the pressure I can, I hope to enjoy that, hug him and simply enjoy my formula 1 season.”
The Australian, who has appeared in just a race to his credit, ending 15th in Abu Dhabi at the end of last season.
Doohan was pressed again on the matter, and a journalist asked if he felt that the arrival of Colapinto had undermined his place in the team.
Queenslander issued a blunt answer: “Is that a question?”
'He was a 21 -year -old reserve driver last year with a long -term contract, but no, I don't (I feel undermined). Maybe I should, I don't know. I really don't understand what a question is like, but not definitely.
The noise grew inside the auditorium when Doohan tried to answer the first two questions, and the alpine bosses were forced to intervene to avoid a third question about the subject.
Doohan issued an icy response to the line of questions, insisting journalists who did not feel undermined by the arrival of Colapinto
Doohan has a F1 JSut race to his credit after he debuted at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year
Subsequently, the team's press officer announced that the 22 -year -old Queenslander would not present more questions on the subject.
'No more questions about Colapint.
'I think it's enough, we have three about Franco'
Colapinto appeared in nine races in 2024 for Williams, winning his team five points, with its highest (eighth) end reaching Azerbaijan in September.
However, Doohan is excited for the beginning of the 2025 season of Formula One and will begin his season in his land at the Melbourne Grand Prix in March.
Speaking at the launch event, he added: 'I think it's very great. I have not yet been part of a launch, say, as a driver. So it is the first time for me in any release, probably in the driving seat, but I think it's incredible. '