Jack Doohan Crashes Twice at Suzuka During Super Formula Test
Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan crashed twice during a Super Formula test at Suzuka's Degner corner, repeating errors from his F1 debut there in April. The incidents come as he vies for a 2025 seat in the Japanese series, a potential pathway back to Formula 1.
Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan's recent Super Formula test at Suzuka ended with two significant crashes in the same corner, echoing a similar incident from his Formula 1 debut at the circuit earlier this year. The Australian, aiming for a 2025 Super Formula seat, walked away unharmed but caused considerable damage to the Kondo Racing car on both occasions.
Why it matters:
For a young driver like Doohan, who is fighting to stay on the radar for a future F1 seat, consistency and building a reputation for reliability are paramount. Repeated incidents at the same challenging circuit, while physically unharming, raise questions about adaptation and could impact team confidence as he seeks a competitive drive for 2025.
The details:
- Doohan was testing with Kondo Racing in a bid to secure a Super Formula seat for the 2025 season.
- He suffered two separate crashes at the notorious Degner corner on consecutive days.
- The first incident saw him hit the barriers with the rear of the car, while the second was a head-on impact.
- This mirrors his crash during FP1 at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, where an open DRS into Turn 1 caused a spin and heavy barrier contact.
The big picture:
Doohan's 2024 F1 season with Alpine was challenging, as he and teammate Franco Colapinto were the only full-time drivers to score zero points. While his raw speed is acknowledged, these recurring incidents at a driver's circuit like Suzuka highlight the fine line between aggression and error. A move to Super Formula with Toyota-powered Kondo Racing is seen as a potential pathway back to F1, especially with Haas strengthening its commercial ties with Toyota.
What's next:
The immediate focus for Doohan and his management will be analyzing the crashes and working to secure that Super Formula seat. Performing strongly and cleanly in Japan's premier single-seater series could rejuvenate his F1 prospects, but he must first demonstrate he can master circuits like Suzuka without incident.