Marko predicts F1 driver's dismissal

Helmut Marko is not waiting for the 2025 F1 season to start in Melbourne before condemning one specific driver to his fate.

The Australian Grand Prix kicks off the campaign this weekend, but the Red Bull adviser does not believe native son Jack Doohan will survive the entirety of the year ahead.

The 22-year-old has already found himself at the heart of F1's rumour mill, with speculation running rampant that he has just a handful of rounds to prove his worth to Alpine.

Despite having only raced in one grand prix, the rookie is already under considerable pressure at the French team, with four reserve and test drivers waiting in the wings to replace him if needs be.

Kush Maini is the most recent addition to Flavio Briatore's ever-expanding roster, but Franco Colapinto is the most likely to be parachuted in if Doohan is not immediately on the pace of team-mate Pierre Gasly.

The Argentine impressed during his nine-round cameo in place of Logan Sargeant at Williams after the American was let go for failing to make the grade in Grove.

Whilst there are still question marks over Colapinto's ability to deliver the required pace on a consistent basis without finding the wall, the growing consensus is that he is preferred to Doohan in Enstone - and in particular with Briatore.

It is a brutal reality for the Australian, who has not yet been afforded adequate opportunity to prove his worth.

But Marko is well-placed to cast judgement, given Red Bull's often cut-throat approach to driver management.

Gasly was jettisoned out of his race seat at the Milton Keynes team in 2019 after just 12 rounds alongside Max Verstappen whilst Nyck de Vries lasted just 10 events before being shown the door at AlphaTauri two years ago.

"I don't believe he will drive the full season," the 81-year-old told ServusTV prior to the season-opener at Albert Park.

To compound the 'dead man walking' theory engulfing Doohan's time in an Alpine race seat, former Red Bull driver Christian Klien chimed in too, adding further credence to the idea the switch could be made sooner rather than later.

"I don't believe it will be too many races, unfortunately," the Austrian said.