Australian MotoGP legend Mick Doohan has detailed the influence Formula 1 legend and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher had on his son Jack’s racing career.
Jack Doohan will contest his first home grand prix when he suits up for Alpine during this weekend’s F1 season opener in Melbourne.
While Jack has family pedigree — Mick won five consecutive premier class titles in the 1990s — he was persuaded by racing royalty to opt for four wheels instead of two.
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Mick and Jack Doohan at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. Getty
Speaking to Nine’s Today ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Mick explained that Schumacher gifted the rookie driver his first go-kart when he was just three years old.
Mick has been close friends with Schumacher for years. The two families were neighbours in Monaco until the Doohans returned to Australia.
“He helped supply some Tony Karts back in the day to get [Jack and his sister Allexis] to inspire them to do some karting,” Mick said of Schumacher’s kind gesture.
“He was well into his go-karts as his kids were. And so they both grew up driving around in go-karts.
“That really helped Jack sway towards four wheels versus two wheels — which I was happy about.”
Michael Schumacher and a young Jack Doohan. Nine’s Today
While Mick is well acquainted with the highs and lows of a career on the racetrack, he admits he is a bit nervous for Jack.
“Jack knows what he’s doing. It’s just all the other facets of it all that you don’t know what’s going on,” he said.
“But he can handle it all, he’s taken it in his stride.
“He seems relaxed, so I’m just here to be a dad.”
Jack made his F1 debut at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but will partner Pierre Gasly full-time at the French constructor for the upcoming season on a one-year contract.
The 22-year-old was announced as the team’s newest driver in August, replacing Esteban Ocon, but in November, rumours began that Alpine was pursuing a different rookie driver in Franco Colapinto to drive for the 2025 season
These reports have only intensified after Alpine signed Colapinto as its reserve driver for 2025 and beyond on a multi-year deal.
Jack Doohan has his photo taken by a fan ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. Getty
While Mick did not directly address the speculation around Colapinto as a reserve, he is well aware that Jack needs to perform in Melbourne.
“He’s worked towards this his entire life, so to put himself in this position is no mean feat,” he said.
“So, he’s well prepared and he’s just got to got out there and enjoy it — but do the best he can.
“For sure, Jack’s going to be competitive for where the car is at.
“He can really only be compared to his teammate. So, he’s just hoping he’ll either be with his teammate or in front of his teammate.
“Anything is possible, especially with the weekend perhaps being wet on Sunday. Let’s wait and see what happens.
“Whether things turn out the way he wants them to, which I hope they do, I’m sure he’s working towards that in Formula 1 … but we’re hoping he’s going to achieve his dreams.”
Practice for the Australian Grand Prix gets underway at 12:30pm AEDT Friday.
