Australian Formula 1 star Jack Doohan has reportedly been axed after a horror start to the season, with his race team facing considerable backlash over the move.
Doohan, the son of motorcycle legend Mick, has yet to score a single point in six races this season.
While there is yet no official announcement that the 22-year-old has been sacked, it’s understood the Alpine rookie will not be racing next weekend in Imola.
It seems that the last straw for Doohan was his crash on Turn 1 at the Miami Grand Prix on Monday morning.
Doohan also crashed in Japan during Free Practice 2, leaving a large bill for his team.
Some news outlets, including The Race, are reporting that Doohan has already been given the bad news.
The Aussie is set to be replaced by Argentinian reserve driver Franco Colapinto, who has significant financial backers.
Doohan’s teammate Pierre Gasly has outperformed him so far this season, going 5-1 in GP races and 6-2 in qualifying.
Alpine Team boss Ollie Oakes pulled out of his media session after Sunday’s race in Miami in which Doohan crashed out on the opening lap.
‘As it is today, Jack is our driver along with Pierre (Gasly),’ Oakes had said on Friday before the race
‘We always evaluate, but yeah, today, that is the case.’
Alpine currently sit ninth of the 10 race teams in the constructors’ standings.
Many fans feel the writing has been on the wall for the Aussie since Colapinto signed with the team.
Doohan is expected to stay with Alpine after the decision, though its unclear what his new role will be.
Following the Miami race, Doohan said that he was focusing on the European races ahead.
‘We have the week ahead to reset and work to prepare for the upcoming triple-header as we head into the start of the European season,’ he said.
