Amidst Alpine Struggle, Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan’s Decades-Old Connection Revealed

Disappointment and anticipation are the two words that best describe Mick Schumacher‘s F1 journey. Bearing the Schumacher family name hasn’t been easy for the 25-year-old. As the motorsport community had high hopes for the German driver, his tenure in F1 was not just short but also disheartening. And now when he finally seemed to have an opportunity to return, hurdles have come along the way. Was it ever going to be a cakewalk? No. But, standing face-to-face with an old friend isn’t the ideal situation either.

Alpine seems to be on the verge of signing Jack Doohan. Apparently, the Australian driver’s test results were better than Mick’s. However, there have been no official announcements from the French side. It’s funny how motorsport could turn the dearest of friends into rivals. Remember when Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg turned into sworn enemies, just for the sake of the championship? Hopefully, no such foul event will occur this time. However, this fight for the F1 spot has brought out the age-old Schumacher-Doohan connection.

Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan are the second generation of the Schumacher-Doohan duo

The common thing between Mick and Jack is that their fathers were the world champions in motorsport. That too, multiple times. The 5-time 500cc motorcycle racing champion Mick Doohan has been a dear friend of F1’s legend Michael Schumacher. In fact, Schumi had given Mick’s son, his first racing kart. And now, you won’t get a single brownie point for guessing why Michael named his son Mick!

At one point, the two families were neighbors in Monaco. When the Doohan family moved to Australia, Schumacher Sr. would often visit them. In one of his F3 races, Jack Doohan was asked about his racing hero. He said: “Michael Schumacher. I was fortunate enough that he was a family friend from a young age… He gave me and my sister our first go-kart when we were three. Given everything he has accomplished and his whole mentality, he is someone whom I look up to massively.”

Now it seems, that the little boys who grew up together in the Monte Carlo principality would have to show their might against each other. Mick Schumacher is hungry to return to F1. And Jack is hungry for his debut. Who weighs more than the other in terms of skills? Which driver will Alpine pick? The F1 rumor mills suggest Flavio Briatore‘s squad has already chosen the 21-year-old Jack Doohan. However, until there is confirmation, we have to wait.

Mick Schumacher or Jack Doohan- who is closer to the Alpine seat?

With Esteban Ocon on his way out of Alpine, two candidates stood out amongst the many in the transfer market. While Flavio Briatore would’ve loved to have Carlos Sainz, his plans didn’t work out. So now, Alpine is left with Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan. Right ahead of the British GP earlier in July, both the drivers tested the old Alpine cars and both had impressive results. Mick had special attention on him, as Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff was keeping a watch on his performance. But recently, there have been reports that Jack Doohan, outperformed his childhood buddy.

Currently, the young Aussie’s prospects are brighter. He has been a regular in the Alpine garage. On the other hand, despite being Mercedes’ reserve driver, Mick hasn’t been in the practice sessions with the team. Schumacher Jr, to a large extent, lacks the experience of testing F1 cars. He might have been an F1 driver at one point, but Doohan has been in and around the paddock for a long time now. This could pose a disadvantage for the German driver. But the hope isn’t completely gone. What if Toto Wolff considers giving Mick a chance in Mercedes’ vacant second seat? Although the chances are low, there’s no harm in wondering, right?

As of now, Mick’s F1 return looks bleak once again. Despite his previous, short-lived experience, he is not on advantage’s edge. At the same time, his old friend, Jack Doohan could turn his dreams into reality. But it all comes down to Alpine. It is still unknown whom they’ll choose. Rumors suggest it’s Doohan, but it could also be Schumacher Jr., who knows?