Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has expressed concerns about Jack Doohan’s recent performance after a significant crash in the second practice of the Japanese Grand Prix, attributing his mishap to driving “with desperation.” Doohan lost control at the high-speed Turn 1 on his second flying lap, following Alpine’s decision to field reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa during the first practice session.
Initially, it appeared that Doohan’s Alpine car may have bottomed out; however, video replays confirmed that the Drag Reduction System (DRS) on his rear wing was still open during the critical moment. In low fuel conditions, drivers typically take Turn 1 flat out and do not apply the brakes, necessitating the manual closure of the DRS flap by the driver. Doohan’s failure to close the DRS resulted in a loss of downforce, leading to a dramatic spin and collision with the wall.
“We are all relieved to see Jack walk away from his incident in Free Practice 2 and glad to see he is okay after his precautionary checks,” stated Alpine’s team principal. He acknowledged the misjudgment on the DRS and noted it as a learning opportunity. “I know Jack and the team will be ready for tomorrow. His crew will work hard to have the car prepared after the damage,” he added.
Following the incident, Doohan reassured fans, saying, “First of all, I am okay after the incident. It was a heavy one, something that caught me by surprise, and I will learn from it. I know the team has a lot of work ahead to repair the car going into tomorrow, so thanks in advance to them for their efforts.”
Villeneuve further commented on Doohan’s situation, noting the pressure he faces after Alpine signed Franco Colapinto, which has raised speculation about a potential replacement. Doohan, who previously crashed out of his home Australian Grand Prix and finished 13th in China, is well aware of the scrutiny surrounding his performance this season.
“Doohan has been under tremendous pressure from Alpine management, and this has influenced his driving style,” Villeneuve said. “The urgency to prove himself against established drivers has inevitably led to mistakes on the track.”
Speculation also surrounds how recent driver swaps in other teams, such as the Red Bull decision involving Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, might impact Doohan’s future with Alpine. “It’s tough for a driver to adjust under such circumstances, especially at a challenging circuit where they need experience and familiarity,” an analyst shared.
This weekend, Formula 1 is set to captivate fans at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix. Mark your calendars for the exciting action ahead, as the race weekend promises thrilling moments and key narratives, including the developments around Doohan’s performance.
Japanese Grand Prix Schedule:
Saturday, April 5
– 3.15 am: Practice Three (session starts at 3.30 am)
– 6 am: Qualifying build-up
– 7 am: Qualifying
– 9 am: Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, April 6
– 4.30 am: Grand Prix Sunday build-up
– 6 am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
– 8 am: Reaction and Analysis
– 9 am: Notebook Review
