Jack Doohan Lands Alpine F1 Test in Qatar

Motorsport News In Brief: Key Updates and Insights

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of single-seater racing. From rising stars getting their first taste of F1 machinery to ongoing debates about safety and the allure of historic racing cars, here’s a concise look at the top stories.

Rising Talent: Jack Doohan’s Formula 1 Debut with Alpine in Qatar

Alpine Academy driver Jack Doohan is set to achieve a significant milestone in his burgeoning career this weekend, taking the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the very first time. The promising Australian talent will participate in a private test session at the challenging Losail International Circuit in Qatar, marking a pivotal moment in his journey towards motorsport’s elite category. This opportunity underscores Alpine’s commitment to nurturing its junior drivers and providing them with invaluable experience in top-tier machinery.

Doohan, who was previously part of Red Bull’s esteemed junior program before joining Alpine, will conclude a three-day private test driving Alpine’s 2021 challenger, the A521. His stint on Sunday follows two successful days of testing completed earlier in the week by Alpine’s official reserve driver, fellow Australian Oscar Piastri. This structured approach allows both drivers to gain crucial mileage, acclimatize to F1 car dynamics, and provide essential feedback to the team, highlighting the meticulous preparation required for a potential Formula 1 career.

Currently competing in the fiercely competitive Formula 2 championship, Doohan holds 17th position with six points. While his F2 season has presented its challenges, this F1 test is a clear indication of Alpine’s belief in his potential and long-term trajectory. For any aspiring F1 driver, a private test in current or recent-generation machinery is an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate skill, adaptability, and an understanding of the complex technical aspects of a Formula 1 car.

“I’m super excited to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time,” an enthusiastic Doohan stated, articulating the dream shared by countless young racers. “This is a moment that I’ve been building up to ever since I started racing karts, and I know these opportunities are extremely privileged.” He further emphasized the extensive preparation he has undertaken: “I’ve watched behind the scenes at some private tests before and I’ve completed a lot of preparation in the loop simulator at Enstone, so I’m definitely feeling ready for this challenge. I’ll build myself up on the day, enjoy it at the same time and hopefully learn as much as possible alongside the team.” This rigorous simulator work at Alpine’s Enstone base is a testament to how modern F1 teams prepare their talent, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world racing.

The Losail Circuit, known for its fast, flowing layout and its experience hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2021, provides an excellent proving ground for young drivers. The test not only offers Doohan a chance to fulfill a lifelong ambition but also allows Alpine to evaluate his performance under realistic conditions, crucial for future decisions regarding his role within the team and his path to Formula 1.

FIA Safety Regulations: Lucas di Grassi Weighs In on the Jewellery Ban Controversy

The debate surrounding the FIA’s strict enforcement of safety regulations, particularly concerning jewellery and fireproof underwear, has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Venturi Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi has offered his perspective, expressing a lack of understanding regarding the “big fuss” over rules that he argues have long been in place and are fundamentally about driver safety.

Di Grassi, a former Formula E champion, has personal experience with the FIA’s stringent safety protocols. In 2018, during the Punta del Este ePrix in Uruguay, he was fined €10,000 (approximately £8,850) for wearing underwear that did not meet the FIA’s specific fire safety standards. This incident highlights the FIA’s consistent stance on driver apparel, emphasizing that such rules are not new but rather a cornerstone of motorsport safety.

“The rule has been around since forever,” Di Grassi explained to RaceFans, underscoring the historical context of these regulations. He elaborated on the heightened importance of these rules in the modern era of motorsport: “It’s just that it’s more critical now that we are operating with high voltage vehicles – regardless if it’s hybrid or it is fully electric, you have high-voltage systems and you cannot have metal around you. It’s a standard rule if you work in a high-voltage environment. Even wedding rings and everything else. So I don’t make a big fuss about it.”

The rationale behind the ban on metallic items like jewellery is rooted in the increased presence of high-voltage electrical systems in contemporary racing cars, from Formula 1’s hybrid power units to Formula E’s fully electric powertrains. In the event of an accident, metallic objects can pose significant risks, including electrical conduction, snagging, or causing severe burns if they heat up rapidly. Di Grassi’s pragmatic approach reflects the view of many who prioritize safety above personal preference: “I take my rings out in a race and then put them back. So I don’t know why this big fuss is really about. It is just for safety and that’s it.”

He drew parallels with his past underwear fine, acknowledging the specific reasons behind the regulation at the time: “It’s the same with the underwear. I was fined €10,000 because I was wearing the wrong underwear, but back then we had a reason because we jumped from one car to another, so you had to make sure that everything was in the right place when were putting the seatbelt. So that was the reason before.” He concluded by noting how the sport’s evolution also affects regulations: “But since we don’t jump from one car anymore, that there’s no reason to do that.” This illustrates that while core safety principles remain, specific applications can adapt to changes in racing formats and technology, always with driver well-being at the forefront.

Quotes: Hazel Southwell

• Dive deeper into the controversy: Why Hamilton isn’t the only driver questioning the FIA’s jewellery clampdown

Historic Auction: Alex Zanardi’s 1999 Williams FW21 Fetches Over £267,000

In a testament to the enduring appeal of Formula 1 history and its legendary figures, a Williams FW21 chassis raced by the iconic Alex Zanardi during the 1999 Formula 1 season recently sold for a remarkable €315,000 (approximately £267,944) at a Bonhams auction in Monaco. The sale, which took place ahead of the prestigious Monaco Historic Grand Prix, highlights the significant value placed on motorsport memorabilia, especially cars linked to drivers with compelling stories.

The specific car, chassis number five, was a prominent fixture in ten rounds of the 1999 season. These included some of Formula 1’s most iconic venues: Monaco, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Malaysia, and Japan. Despite its impressive pedigree and association with a driver of Zanardi’s talent, the 1999 season proved challenging for the Italian, who was making a highly anticipated return to Formula 1 after a dominant period in CART (now IndyCar). Zanardi, unfortunately, failed to score any points throughout the entire season with the FW21. His best performance came at his home race, the Italian Grand Prix, where he recorded his highest grid position of fourth and finished in seventh place, just outside the points-scoring positions of the era.

Zanardi’s struggles contrasted sharply with the performance of his teammate, Ralf Schumacher, who managed to secure 35 points and finished an impressive sixth in the drivers’ championship that year. The disparity in performance led Williams to make a significant driver change for the following 2000 season. The team opted to replace Zanardi, bringing in a promising young British F3 driver named Jenson Button, who would go on to have a decorated Formula 1 career, culminating in the 2009 World Championship.

The sale of Zanardi’s FW21 is more than just a transaction; it represents a piece of Formula 1 heritage and a tribute to a driver whose career is marked by both incredible highs in IndyCar and immense personal resilience following a life-altering accident in 2001. Zanardi’s story transcends motorsport, inspiring millions with his determination and success as a Paralympic athlete. Owning a car from his Formula 1 tenure, even a challenging one, offers collectors a tangible link to a truly remarkable individual and a fascinating chapter in Williams’ storied history.

Social Media Highlights: Connecting with the World of F1

Social media offers an unparalleled window into the lives of drivers, teams, and the broader motorsport community. Here’s a curated selection of notable posts from Twitter and Instagram, capturing moments and thoughts from across the globe. Please note, the content below is a static representation of dynamic social media posts.

Qatar 💨🔥 A hot and windy couple of days in the Middle East, continually learning 🤓 pic.twitter.com/u0LJlG9r2O

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) May 13, 2022

Oscar Piastri shares insights from his rigorous testing in Qatar, highlighting the challenging conditions and continuous learning process.

Amazing visit of @Ferrari headquarters, factory & @MuseiFerrari in Maranello yesterday with @robertreidwrc. Many thanks for the welcome & fruitful discussions to Chairman John Elkann, Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari,CEO Benedetto Vigna & @ScuderiaFerrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto pic.twitter.com/qHElEYfCy8

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) May 13, 2022

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem shares images from his visit to the iconic Ferrari headquarters, emphasizing key discussions with the leadership.

The braking power of an F1 car is simply astonishing 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/YJAI2GQEFA

— Jack Cook (@jack_cook95) May 13, 2022

A striking visual from Jack Cook highlighting the incredible braking capabilities of a Formula 1 car, a true engineering marvel.

On this day 10 years ago. How much that first @F1 win meant. pic.twitter.com/gOz4HQOQCm

— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) May 13, 2022

Susie Wolff reflects on a significant moment from a decade ago, cherishing the memory of a first F1 victory and its emotional impact.

Accrochage avant la Rascasse entre les 2 Tyrrell ! 💥💥
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Tangle before the Rascasse between the 2 Tyrrells! 💥💥#GrandPrixMonacoHistorique #MonacoCircuit pic.twitter.com/fdNOVeI2HY

— Automobile Club de Monaco (@ACM_Media) May 13, 2022

The Automobile Club de Monaco shares a thrilling moment from the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, capturing a close encounter between two Tyrrells.

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory, your comprehensive guide to connecting with the motorsport world on social media.

Essential Motorsport Links: News, Features & Insights

For those eager to delve deeper into the intricate world of Formula 1 and beyond, we’ve curated a selection of compelling articles, interviews, and videos from across the motorsport landscape. These links offer unique perspectives on drivers, teams, and the broader culture of racing, providing valuable insights and entertainment.

‘I trashed the whole floor’: Daniel Ricciardo reveals wild party in hotel (Independent)
Lando Norris offers a glimpse into the lighter side of F1 life: “We got kicked out of the pool. We were being naughty in the pool and everyone, not just me, got kicked out. So we went up to the rooms and had a nice party in the rooms.” A candid look at driver camaraderie and post-race antics.

Back on track: Sebastian inspires disadvantaged youngsters in London (Aston Martin)
Discover how Sebastian Vettel, less than a week after racing in Miami, dedicated his time to a noble cause in London. He opened a brand-new, fully equipped workshop at Feltham YOI, initiating a program designed to train young offenders as mechanics, showcasing F1’s positive social impact.

AMRC Training Centre drives forward with new McLaren Racing partnership (Eureka!)
The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has secured a significant partnership, becoming the official apprenticeship supplier for McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 Team. This collaboration will nurture the next generation of engineers, steering their careers into the heart of motorsport.

Behind the scenes with McLaren in Miami: Josh Allen, James Corden and Formula 1’s most popular team (Indy Star)
Nathan Brown from IndyStar provides an exclusive look at McLaren’s presence during the Miami Grand Prix. This feature explores how one of F1’s most popular teams navigates the sports landscape off-track, highlighting celebrity interactions and the evolving nature of F1’s engagement with pop culture.

Ex-F1 bad boy Dan Ticktum says he ‘sealed his fate’ – but is now enjoying second chance (Mirror)
Dan Ticktum, known for his controversial past, candidly admits: “I sealed my fate when I got banned all of them years ago. Since then, I have sort of been a villain of motorsport with every little thing I do. Another driver can say something controversial, but because it’s me, it’s 10 times worse.” Read about his reflections and new journey in Formula E.

Williams: Off Grid Miami GP (Williams)
Go behind the scenes with the Williams Racing team as they chronicle an action-packed week in the vibrant Magic City of Miami, offering a unique perspective on the inaugural Miami Grand Prix weekend.

Mayhem in Miami (AlphaTauri)
Experience the fun side of F1 with AlphaTauri. Follow Yuki Tsunoda as he joins Max Verstappen in a thrilling Swamp Buggy race in the Everglades, engages in a helmet graffiti session in Miami, and even finds time to interact with the Miami Dolphins, showcasing the diverse experiences beyond the track.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up, please send it in via the contact form. Your contributions help us keep our community informed and engaged.

Comment of the Day: The Economics of F1 Accessibility

Liberty Media’s Greg Maffei recently spoke about Formula 1’s conscious move away from primarily appealing to “old, rich white guys,” aiming for a broader, more diverse audience. However, this sentiment sparked a thoughtful debate among fans regarding the actual accessibility and economics of the sport. Our reader, Hairs_, offers a concise yet poignant reflection on this discussion:

Liberty can remove the “old” and “man” but otherwise it’s business as usual for fans, drivers, teams… Only the extremely rich may apply.
Hairs_

This comment encapsulates the ongoing tension between F1’s stated goals of inclusivity and the perceived reality of its high costs, from ticket prices and merchandise to the exorbitant budgets required for young drivers to progress through the junior categories. It highlights a critical conversation about whether the sport’s economic model truly aligns with its aspirations for a wider, more accessible global appeal.

Happy Birthday to Our Motorsport Community Members!

We extend our warmest wishes to Hyoko and Jen Campbell! May your special day be filled with joy, celebration, and all things motorsport.

On This Day in Motorsport History

• Exactly 50 years ago today, in 1972, the legendary Jean-Pierre Beltoise secured a memorable victory for BRM in a notoriously wet Monaco Grand Prix, a performance that remains etched in the annals of F1 history as one of the finest wet-weather drives.

This iconic win not only showcased Beltoise’s exceptional skill but also marked a significant moment for the BRM team, adding another chapter to the rich tapestry of the Monaco Grand Prix, often considered the crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar.