Jack Doohan survives terrifying 185mph crash in Japan GP practice

On April 4, 2025, in Japan, Jack Doohan, the 22-year-old Australian driver, experienced a frightening incident during the second practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix. During the session, he lost control of his Alpine car while traveling at a high speed of 185mph. This occurred in the first turn of the Suzuka circuit, where the car bottomed out as the DRS rear wing remained open, leading to a violent spin and crash into a tire barrier. Fortunately, he emerged from the incident unharmed but visibly shaken. Doohan, participating only in his fourth formula racing weekend, had already faced significant pressure in his rookie season. The crash put him in a challenging situation as he had missed the first practice session earlier that day, where reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took over his car. Having crashed in Melbourne at the beginning of the season and not scoring points in subsequent races, this incident raised further concerns about his performance and consistency. Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes expressed relief regarding Doohan's safety after the incident. Medical checks confirmed that he suffered no concussion, but it was a reminder of the potential dangers of the sport, especially at such high speeds. The crash prompted a red flag and a delay in the session, highlighting the mishaps that occur during practice. As the team scrambled to repair substantial damage to the car's chassis and suspension for the following day’s qualifying session, Doohan emphasized his focus on learning from the incident and preparing for the next opportunities on the track. The collective efforts from the Alpine mechanics were crucial to ready the vehicle for competition within a tight timeframe.