Jack Doohan has posted a heartbreaking farewell as his Formula 1 dream appears to be over, at least for now.
The 22-year-old Aussie had high hopes coming into the 2025 season, his first full-time drive in the premier class with the Alpine team after making his way through motorsport’s lower ranks.
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His dream lasted just six races, however, before he was dropped in favour of Argentine Franco Colapinto.
The son of motorbike legend Mick Doohan, Jack struggled with a mixture of poor qualifying results and on-track penalties, while he was also involved in a huge crash in a free practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Doohan in early November after the team re-signed Colapinto to drive alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2026 season.
That now seems to be confirmed after Doohan posted a series of devastating photos to his 564,000 followers on Instagram.
In a post that has quickly garnered well over 84,000 likes and almost 900 comments, the young Queenslander posted a series of photos of himself hugging Alpine staff, clearly demonstrating his popularity among the team.
He also posted some older photos, including a beaming Doohan holding what appears to be a contract he signed with the team, a group photo with Gasly and the other 18 F1 drivers and a shot of him racing in his Alpine car.
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Doohan clearly has a huge number of fans and supporters, with an outpouring of sadness and support flooding his comments, including from some high-profile friends.
Ex-pro surfer Cooper Chapman wrote: “You my friend are an F1 driver. Not many people in history can say that! So proud of you. More of your story still to be written!!”
Brazilian entrepreneur Diego Fernandes said: “Huge pride in everything you’ve achieved so far, Jack. We lived incredible moments together in F1 — memories that will stay forever. Your talent and determination will take you even further. You can always count on me, my friend.”
Adrian “Lambo Guy” Portelli declared: “Us Aussies will always have your back.”
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Alpine race engineer Cristoforo Pirro stated: “Thanks, broski! It was a pleasure to work with you. See you on track.”
F1 photographer Gregoire Truchet added simply: “All the best mate.”
A number of fans also commented, with some referencing the controversy that surrounded Doohan’s dumping in favour of South American Colapinto and many using the same word.
“You deserved so much more from 2025 Jack. You gave them 100% every time, and you can hold your head up high. You took the high ground, and that will always count for a lot in all but a few people’s books. Don’t give up, keep pushing, and we’ll see you racing again soon,” was one comment.
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“You deserved more time jack, we all know you would’ve done us proud if they gave you the shot you deserved!!” wrote another.
“Dude, you deserved better. I wish this sport was never about money. Talented people like you are often overlooked because of money,” offered a third.
Doohan has been linked with the Japanese single-seater Super Formula series next year.
The Aussie has been mooted as an option for the powerful Toyota-powered Kondo Racing team in a series that often leads to opportunities back in F1.
There have also been reports Mick Doohan has held talks with the Haas F1 team over a possible place for his son in the future.
Doohan’s apparent axing and the retirement of Daniel Ricciardo leaves McLaren’s Oscar Piastri as the only current Aussie as a full-time driver.
At just 22, many clearly hope Formula 1 hasn’t seen the last of Jack Doohan.
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