Ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has revealed that Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine appears to be like safe as a result of a €10 million sponsor he brings to the group.
Even earlier than his F1 debut on the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Doohan’s future was unsure.
His future was additional put into the highlight after Franco Colapinto was unveiled as their new take a look at and reserve driver.
It was initially thought that Doohan would solely have the opening 5 races earlier than his seat was given to Colapinto.
Colapinto starred throughout his quick stint with Williams on the finish of final yr, bringing vital monetary backing.
The Argentine has additionally obtained the backing of Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore, famend for his brutal mid-season driver swaps.
Nevertheless, it’s been broadly reported that Doohan has been given a “grace interval” till the summer time.
Regardless of Briatore showing to favour Colapinto, Doohan does have supporters inside the group.
Workforce principal Oliver Oakes has publicly backed Doohan and insisted he shall be given time to carry out.
Doohan “not ok” for F1
Doohan has had an incident-filled begin to his F1 profession, struggling two heavy crashes within the opening 5 races.
He was out-classed by teammate Pierre Gasly, however had confirmed to be a detailed match earlier than the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Talking on Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher detailed a key sponsorship deal that Doohan has dropped at Alpine which could possibly be a big think about him staying with the group.
“I don’t need to say it fairly as harshly as Dr. Marko stated that he’s a Class C driver,” Schumacher stated.
“He isn’t a Class C driver, actually, he’s driver, however, in my view, not ok for System 1.
“It’s nonetheless a bit early in fact, and he has a really skilled teammate in Gasly, who can also be settled into the group and is receiving help.
“That’s why it’s perhaps a bit harsh and unfair, however I’d say that in relation to the opposite rookies, you possibly can see that he’s somebody who won’t essentially be competing for the world championship in some unspecified time in the future, so to talk.
“And if the cash doesn’t are available from Colapinto, then I don’t suppose he shall be exchanged in the meanwhile, as a result of I hear Doohan additionally has a sponsor price €10m [£8.56m] within the bag, and that must be paid out someway.
“I can think about that he’ll survive someway, however Flavio is all the time good for a shock.”
