Jack Doohan responds to injury rumours as fans question footage ahead of Bahrain GP

Alpine rookie Jack Doohan has confirmed he was in pain following the Japanese Grand Prix, after viewers questioned footage of him struggling to exit the car.

The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a difficult one for Alpine rookie Jack Doohan. Making matters worse, after a crash during FP2 of the Japanese race weekend, he returned on Sunday visibly in pain. Today, ahead of his Bahrain campaign, the Australian was asked about any injuries following the shunt which saw him hit a wall at Turn 1 at approximately 160mph.

Footage captured the Australian struggling to pull himself out of the car following that the 53 laps of the Japanese Grand Prix, with Haas driver Esteban Ocon and surrounding marshals having to assist him. Once released from the A525, you could see him walking away in pain, clutching is left arm.

This raised questions amongst viewers who questioned his health after the staggering shunt earlier that weekend as reserve driver Franco Colapinto loomed. But these rumours were quickly put to bed.

During the press conference, Doohan explained the footage.

"I think yeah, I was sore a little bit on Friday, and certainly Saturday was a bit worse and Sunday a little bit worse again. So I'd say that there was a pain from the start of the race, not necessarily towards the end, but it helps with the adrenaline a little bit for sure.

"I think you know it's natural with the shunt and just the positioning. So, a couple of days off, Monday, Tuesday, and obviously yesterday has been very much needed."

Jack Doohan, Alpine crash

Photo by: Bryn Lennon - Formula 1

Doohan's crash stemmed from his DRS flap still being open when he entered the corner. With reduced downforce at the rear of the car, the car snapped and spun out of control into the barriers. Following the incident, it was confirmed that the driver failed to close the DRS manually, with him not having to remove his foot from the accelerator but instead dabbing the brake pedal momentarily instead.

"It was a misjudgement of not closing the DRS into Turn 1," team principal Ollie Oakes said at the time. "It is something to learn from and I know Jack and the team will be ready for tomorrow."

The car saw incredible amounts of damage, with reports estimating a repair bill of approximately £1.3 million. It also caused a red flag on an already chaotic morning at Suzuka - a morning the driver had missed due to giving up his car to Ryo Hirakawa for FP1.

Starting the race with little experience at the track, he struggled during qualifying. Placing 19th on the grid, he still managed to finish P15, just two places behind team-mate Pierre Gasly.