responded sharply to a query about ’s arrival at at F1 75 Dwell in London on Tuesday.
Australian rookie Doohan will race alongside at Alpine this season, with the primary race of the 2025 season coming at his house grand prix in Melbourne on 16 March.
Nevertheless, Argentinean driver Colapinto – who impressed throughout a nine-race stint at Williams on the again finish of the 2024 season – has joined the French workforce on a multi-year deal.
Inevitably, this has positioned scrutiny on Doohan’s place however the 22-year-old – who’s the son of five-time bike world champion Mick Doohan – insisted he’s “embracing” the stress that comes with a spot on the grid.
“I’ve been instructed he’s [Colapinto’s] a reserve driver,” Doohan instructed media at The O2 on Tuesday.
“You’re all the time going to have stress in your shoulders, since you’re in such a cut-throat sport.
“However no matter stress there could also be, I sit up for having fun with that, embracing it, and simply having fun with my Formulation 1 season.”
But requested additional whether or not he feels “undermined” by Colapinto’s arrival, Doohan replied: “Is {that a} query?”
“I used to be a 21-year-old reserve driver final 12 months with a long-term contract however no I don’t [feel undermined]. Possibly I ought to, I don’t know.
“I don’t actually perceive how that’s a query, however positively not.”
A 3rd query associated to Colapinto’s arrival was shortly dismissed by an Alpine press officer.
Colapinto recorded 5 factors for Williams final 12 months however made manner for Carlos Sainz this 12 months, who has joined the Grove-based workforce from .
