Flavio Briatore has called for a rigorous evaluation of Alpine’s driver lineup as the team prepares for the pivotal 2026 Formula 1 season. This comes after Alpine decided to replace Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto, following a challenging start to the season where Doohan did not score any points in his first six races.
Doohan, who replaced Esteban Ocon at the season-end Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, will now step aside as Colapinto takes the wheel for the next five races, commencing with the upcoming triple-header in Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona. Alpine’s team principal emphasized that this evaluation period is crucial as they aim to field the best possible driver pairing for the future. The statement acknowledged Doohan’s professionalism despite the results and indicated the door remains open for his return later in the season.
The change in drivers also comes amid a shift in team management, with Oliver Oakes stepping down as team principal. Briatore will assume the responsibilities previously held by Oakes, who had been a supporter of Doohan. The team is positioned well with a competitive car and aims to capitalize on its improvements over the past year, making this driver rotation an essential part of their strategy.
With the competitive nature of the current season and the ambitious targets set for 2026, this driver swap exemplifies the intense environment of Formula 1 and the swift decision-making required to enhance team performance.
Alpine’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to creating a formidable lineup capable of competing at the highest level, thus fostering hope among fans for future successes on the track.