F1 star facing 'immediate sacking' after Miami Grand Prix with replacement already lined up
A Formula 1 driver is reportedly facing an uncertain future amid growing fears he could be dropped before the next race.
On Sunday, the Miami Grand Prix was dominated by McLaren as Oscar Piastri took the chequered flag ahead of teammate Lando Norris.
The papaya pair finished more than 35 seconds ahead of third-placed George Russell, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen fourth.
The race itself was filled with incidents, especially during the early parts.
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In total, four drivers were forced to retire, Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto suffered realiability issues while Jack Doohan and Liam Lawson had damage due to their coming together on Lap One.
Alpine rookie Doohan made contact with Lawson's Racing Bulls and ended up suffering a puncture.
The Australian was forced to retire during the opening lap as his tough start to life in F1 continued.
Doohan crashed out in the season opener in Australia, before picking up penalties in China and then suffered a big crash during practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.
After his dismal outing in Miami, it has been claimed that Doohan could be replaced ahead of the next race, which will be held in Imola in two weeks' time.
As reported by The Race, Doohan could be dropped by Alpine ahead of the upcoming triple-header.
The report stated: "As of the end of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, The Race understands that a change could be made early in the season after all, potentially in time for the triple-header that begins at Imola in two weeks’ time."
Doohan has had immense pressure placed on his shoulders ever since Alpine confirmed the signing of Franco Colapinto, who is currently the team's reserve driver.
The Argentine impressed while driving for Williams last season and is the overwhelming favourite to take over if Alpine opt to replace Doohan.
Speaking prior to the weekend, Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes said: "I’m sure there’s a lot of people in Argentina who’d like him in the car this Sunday.
"We’ve been pretty open as a team that that’s just noise. Jack needs to continue doing a good job. But it’s natural that there’s always speculation there. As it is today, Jack is our driver, along with Pierre. I think we've been pretty clear about that. I mean, we always evaluate it. But yes, today that's the case."
Topics: Formula 1
Marcus Chan