Alpine driver replacement ‘unacceptable’ as G… read more
Alpine’s recent decision to replace Jack Doohan after just six races into the Formula 1 season has sparked considerable controversy, with many branding the move as harsh and premature. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has been particularly vocal, calling the switch “unacceptable” from a driver’s perspective. The decision follows weeks of mounting speculation, which came to a head after the Miami Grand Prix, where Doohan was officially demoted back to his previous role as Alpine’s reserve driver. His replacement, Franco Colapinto, is now set to drive in the next five races, a move that Montoya and others believe was handled poorly.
Doohan had only just secured his seat on the grid after spending two years in the reserve role. The young Australian expressed his disappointment in a public statement, reflecting on what he viewed as a lack of commitment from the team that had backed him until recently. Montoya echoed this sentiment in a conversation with Sites de Apostas, stating, “What’s unacceptable from a driver’s point of view is that Alpine committed to Jack Doohan, thought he was the best choice, and gave him a contract. Now, suddenly, he’s out without being given a fair chance to prove himself.”
According to Montoya, internal politics and shifting priorities may have played a role in the decision. He mentioned that when Flavio Briatore stepped in, a new arrangement was made that effectively gave Doohan just five races to perform. This timeframe, according to Montoya, was too limited for a young driver to settle into a new role and demonstrate his potential. Instead of a swift dismissal, Montoya suggests a more balanced approach: “I would have given five races to Doohan, five races to Colapinto, and five races to Paul Aron [Alpine’s other reserve driver]. That way, the team could have made a fair and well-rounded evaluation of who deserves the seat next year.”
The situation also casts a shadow over the future of Pierre Gasly, Alpine’s more experienced driver, who has managed to score just seven points so far this season. While Doohan failed to register any points before being dropped, the performance gap isn’t wide enough to absolve Gasly from scrutiny, especially if Colapinto begins to outperform him. “Briatore’s main thinking will be: who is the best pair for next year?” Montoya added. “If Colapinto comes in and starts to beat Pierre Gasly, is Gasly in danger of losing his seat?”
Colapinto, the Argentine driver, is no stranger to Formula 1. He impressed many during the latter half of the previous season when he stepped in for Logan Sargeant at Williams. Now, with another opportunity at Alpine, Colapinto will be under pressure to deliver consistent results and justify the faith placed in him by the team’s management.
Alpine’s decision comes amid a broader organizational shake-up. In addition to Doohan’s demotion, the team also saw the sudden resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes. With Oakes stepping down with immediate effect, Flavio Briatore has now assumed control ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, intensifying speculation around further changes to the team’s structure and driver lineup.
Currently, Alpine sits second from bottom in the constructors’ standings, reflecting the challenging start to their 2025 campaign. With internal leadership changes, driver uncertainty, and performance struggles, the Enstone-based outfit is clearly at a crossroads. How the next few races unfold — particularly with Colapinto at the wheel — could shape the team’s future and determine whether Gasly retains his position beyond 2025.
