Ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has revealed that Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine appears safe as a consequence of a €10 million sponsor he brings to the staff.
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 check 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 12 months, bringing important monetary backing.
The Argentine has additionally acquired the backing of Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore, famend for his brutal mid-season driver swaps.
Nonetheless, it’s been broadly reported that Doohan has been given a “grace interval” till the summer season.
Regardless of Briatore showing to favour Colapinto, Doohan does have supporters inside the staff.
Staff principal Oliver Oakes has publicly backed Doohan and insisted he can 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 may very well be a major think about him staying with the staff.
“I don’t need to say it fairly as harshly as Dr. Marko mentioned that he’s a Class C driver,” Schumacher mentioned.
“He isn’t a Class C driver, actually, he’s driver, however, for my part, not ok for Method 1.
“It’s nonetheless a bit early after all, and he has a really skilled teammate in Gasly, who can be settled into the staff and is receiving assist.
“That’s why it’s possibly a bit harsh and unfair, however I might say that in relation to the opposite rookies, you’ll be able to see that he’s somebody who may not 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 in from Colapinto, then I don’t assume he can be exchanged in the interim, as a result of I hear Doohan additionally has a sponsor price €10m [£8.56m] within the bag, and that needs to be paid out in some way.
“I can think about that he’ll survive in some way, however Flavio is all the time good for a shock.”