In recent weeks there have been repeated rumors that Alpine driver Jack Doohan’s Formula 1 career could be over before it has really begun. Now the speculations from the top have been confirmed.
The 2024 Formula 1 season had not yet ended when rumors were already emerging in the paddock that Alpine might not be able to fully rely on Jack Doohan in 2025 as a replacement for Esteban Ocon, who had moved to Haas.
Because Flavio Briatore – who has been a special advisor at Alpine since late summer and has great power and a close connection to team boss Oliver Oakes – is said to have watched Doohan’s premiere in Abu Dhabi very closely. Doohan, son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, came second to last, while Gasly came seventh.
Because a possible alternative was available at the same time, Williams shooting star Franco Colapinto, Briatore is said to have had second thoughts. Colapinto had temporarily caused a sensation for Williams in his first races, but came away empty-handed when the regular places for 2025 were awarded. It was said that Briatore had his eye on Colapinto, who, with the hype around him in South America, is also interesting in terms of sponsors.
When asked about the rumors by “Sport Bild” and at the same time confronted with the fact that, according to information from the sports magazine, he had made contact with Colapinto, Briatore became surprisingly clear. “Yes, that’s true,” he confirmed.
He immediately gave the reason: “I’m always looking for the best options for us.”
Formula 1: Briatore has always been tough
Gasly “did a great job last season and we’re starting the new season with him and Jack,” Briatore continued.
“But who knows what will happen. We also have a strong reserve driver under contract with Paul Aron,” said the former team boss of record world champion Michael Schumacher, referring to the third in Formula 2.
Briatore made it clear early in his career that Alpine’s current special advisor doesn’t hesitate for long when he spots a talent: after just one strong performance for Jordan in 1991, he bought the young Schumacher out of his contract and sat him in the next race in Monza into the Benetton – the rest is history… which he could repeat with Colapinto.
In any case, the world title is definitely the goal for Alpine. “That must be it,” he said. “And I’m not talking about years, when it comes to changes I’m talking about months,” the 74-year-old gave the direction.