The Imola scandal: Mick Doohan crosses the line and sparks controversy against Franco Colapinto and Alpine
Formula 1 is a world of high speed, intense emotions, and, occasionally, controversies that transcend the track. At the recent Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, held at the iconic Imola circuit, an off-sporting storm rocked the paddock. The unexpected protagonist: Mick Doohan, father of driver Jack Doohan, whose statements and actions have generated a wave of criticism for disrespecting the young Argentinian talent Franco Colapinto and the Alpine team. This episode, which has ignited social media, deserves a thorough analysis to understand its implications and impact on the motorsports community.
The context: Colapinto replaces Doohan at Alpine
Franco Colapinto, the promising 21-year-old Argentinian driver, returned to Formula 1 at Imola as a regular driver for Alpine, taking the seat previously held by Jack Doohan. The decision, made after the Australian’s lackluster results in the first races of the 2025 season, came as no surprise to many in the paddock. Colapinto, who had already shone in 2024 with Williams, scoring points in Baku and Austin, was seen as a fresh take and was backed by the influential Flavio Briatore, an advisor at Alpine. However, this transition has not been a smooth one.
Jack Doohan, trained at the Alpine academy, failed to establish himself in the top category. His performances, marked by errors such as the accident in Japan and the retirement in Miami, contrasted with the potential of Colapinto, who demonstrated speed and maturity in his nine previous Grands Prix. Alpine’s decision, although logical from a sporting perspective, sparked tensions, especially within the Australian driver’s entourage.
Mick Doohan: From Criticism to Personal Attack
Mick Doohan, motorcycling legend and Jack’s father, didn’t hide his frustration at his son’s substitution. In an interview with Spanish outlet DAZN before qualifying at Imola, the former 500cc champion took a swipe at Alpine: “It’s disappointing how things have turned out. Jack has done well, but it seems Alpine is a team of paid riders.” This insinuation, which targets Colapinto’s Argentine sponsors, such as YPF and Mercado Libre, not only calls into question Alpine’s sporting decision but also casts doubt on the young Argentinian’s merits.
But the real scandal came after Colapinto’s accident in qualifying at Imola. The Argentine, on his debut with Alpine, lost control of his car in the chicane leading up to Tamburello, a corner steeped in symbolism following Ayrton Senna’s 1994 accident. Although he escaped unharmed, the incident marked a difficult time for Franco. In this context, Mick Doohan posted an Instagram story with an image of the destroyed car, accompanied by the message “Very impressive” and laughing emojis. Although he quickly deleted the post, the screenshots went viral, sparking outrage among fans, especially in Argentina.
The reaction of the “sportmaniacs” and Colapinto’s defense
The motorsport community, known for its passion, was quick to respond. In Argentina, Colapinto’s fans, calling themselves “sportmaniacs,” flooded social media with messages of support for the driver and criticism of Mick Doohan. “It’s unacceptable that a figure like Doohan disrespects a young man who is demonstrating his talent,” wrote one user on X. Others pointed out the irony that Mick, whose son also came to F1 with financial support, would criticize the sponsorship system.
Colapinto, true to his calm style, avoided fueling controversy. In statements prior to the Grand Prix, he expressed his enthusiasm for competing at Imola, a circuit he knows well after his victories in Formula 2 and 3: “I’m ready and well prepared. I want to support the team and show what I can do.” His professional approach contrasts with the attitude of Mick Doohan, whose conduct has been described as unsportsmanlike by analysts and fans.
Alpine in the eye of the storm
The French team, which is going through a difficult season with only seven points in the constructors’ championship, also found itself in an awkward position. Mick Doohan’s comments not only attack Colapinto but also question the management of Alpine, a team seeking to regain its place on the grid under Briatore. The deletion of Doohan’s post suggests an attempt at damage control, but the episode has already left its mark.
A call to sportsmanship
Formula 1 is more than speed; it’s a showcase of talent, effort, and respect. Mick Doohan’s attitude, although motivated by a father’s love, crosses a line that shouldn’t be crossed in a sport where competition must be fair. Franco Colapinto, with his talent and humility, has the support of a passionate fan base and the potential to shine at Alpine. This incident, far from overshadowing him, has reinforced his image as a driver who faces challenges on and off the track with maturity.
As the F1 circus prepares for Monaco, the Imola controversy continues to resonate. What do you think of Mick Doohan’s actions? Do you think Colapinto will respond with results on the track? Share your opinion and join the debate!
