Franco Colapinto’s manager has condemned the “abuse” aimed at Jack Doohan as rumours continue to swirl around his role in the Alpine Formula 1 team.

The 21-year-old was signed by the Anglo-French marque as a reserve driver for this season, having been sprung from his previous contract with Williams.

Colapinto had competed in the remaining nine rounds of the previous campaign with the Grove-based squad, scoring five points.

Alpine had already promoted Jack Doohan to its race roster alongside Pierre Gasly, but since his signing, Colapinto has been the subject of speculation that he will replace the Australian early in the upcoming campaign.

Both Team Principal Oliver Oakes and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore have been coy on the subject, fuelling the rumours further, with the former telling Le Parisien he will “change” a driver who “isn’t bringing me results”.

Many fans are now taking to social media to direct frustration and anger at the situation, which prompted Jamie Campbell-Walter – a director of Bullet Sports Management, Colapinto’s representatives – to wade in.

Responding to a post on X urging people to ‘stop posting nonsense on Alpine’s account,’ Campbell-Walter replied: “Well said!

“The haters who think they help Franco, you are doing him more harm than good.

“Insults to the team, to Jack and sometimes to other supporters of Alpine.

“Franco and all of us who support him are fans of the whole team, Pierre [Gasly] and Jack.

“Conduct yourselves with passion but not abuse and arrogance. Franco’s time will come but not like this, you will achieve the opposite.”

Steiner rebukes ‘exaggerated’ Alpine speculation

Former Haas boss-turned-media figure Guenther Steiner has offered his opinion on the situation, affirming that the topic has been somewhat over-embroidered.

“I think the pressure comes from outside,” Steiner told Speedcafe.

“A lot of these things which are happening in F1 is like someone said, ‘Oh, he has got only six races, and then it will be decided’.

“Somebody said it, somebody repeated it, and it got bigger and bigger.

“I don’t even know if it’s true because nobody knows where it came from.

“So, for me, it’s an exaggerated rumour.”

Steiner went on to say that Doohan will not be the only driver on the grid under pressure and that his father – legendary motorcycle racer Mick – will be an important presence in ensuring he can handle the expectations.

“Obviously, in F1, it’s not only him under pressure; everyone needs to perform,” Steiner reasoned.

“If he performs, he will be fine, there will be no problem.

“He has got his father, Mick, the legend, around, so he will help him to go through this pressure he has got on.

“When you are a race car driver, you have always got pressure.

“I just don’t see where it came from,” he added of the speculation.

“It wasn’t an official statement, so if there’s no official statement, I always assume that somebody opened his mouth not knowing what he’s saying, just wanting a headline.

“Jack needs to stay calm, do what he’d good at, race cars, and then the performance will come, and he will be here to stay.

“I may have simplified it a little bit, but that’s what it is about.”

READ MORE – Pierre Gasly hails ‘important’ Flavio Briatore impact at Alpine

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Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has insisted the team has been “honest” regarding its driver line-up in Formula 1 amid the persistent rumours surrounding Jack Doohan’s drive.

Doohan, who made his F1 debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, is embarking on his rookie campaign having been picked to replace the now-departed Esteban Ocon.

But Alpine signing Franco Colapinto to the team’s reserve driver pool has heightened speculation that he is being lined up to take Doohan’s spot, even as soon as this season.

That has been even extended to reports circulating that an exit clause in his contract could become active should he not hit certain targets within the opening five rounds.

When asked whether he could shut down that claim, Oakes told media including Motorsport Week: “It’s not my line. I think we’ve been really honest as a team as to what we’re doing. 

“I’m pretty chilled on it, and I think it would be nice – I keep saying it – but just let Jack just get on with it, and also let the team get on with it, to be honest.

But while he reiterated that Doohan will begin the season with Pierre Gasly, Oakes didn’t rule out that a mid-season change to place Colapinto in the A525 could transpire.

“I get everybody has an opinion,” he continued. “Everyone can be a keyboard warrior as well.

“It’s very simple, though, isn’t it? We’re here to go racing. We want the best driver in the car, the best engine in the car. 

“From my side, I was pretty open that Jack’s – well, Flavio [Briatore] said it, didn’t he – that we’re starting the season with Jack and Pierre, and then let’s see how it all goes.”

Doohan would have had pressure regardless

Oakes denied that Colapinto’s arrival has been done to increase pressure on Doohan, citing that the emphasis on him to deliver in 2025 would have been present regardless. 

“I think externally everyone sees that, but I see it a bit differently,” he retorted.

“No matter what driver you are, in any category, there’s pressure. It doesn’t matter whether that’s in F1 or even in the junior categories.

“Of course, I think because Franco did a good job last year, he’s got a big fan base, obviously a lot of them here as well, it’s natural that people want to talk about that. 

“But from the other side, I think as a team we’re quite lucky to have three reserves who are very good, and that puts us in a good position.

“I think in terms of whether it’s nice or kind to Jack, I think I was pretty open that he’s driving a Formula 1 car, that’s every boy’s dream, but it’s also his job, and for me, that’s pretty simple.”

Alpine not releasing Doohan expectation

Meanwhile, Oakes wouldn’t be drawn on whether it has laid out expectations to Doohan, highlighting how that will depend on how driveable Alpine’s car proves to be.

Asked what would represent a reasonable gap between his two drivers, he replied: “I don’t know.

“You’ll want a lot of words from me, but you’re not going to put anything like that out there. 

“I think it’s pretty easy to see this year, at the end of the day there’s a lot of rookies on the grid, so you can see how they’re all performing. 

“It’s not necessarily the same for one as it is for another, we know some cars are easier to drive, some are trickier to drive. I think hopefully it won’t even be a discussion anyway.”

READ MORE – Jack Doohan hits back at rumours Franco Colapinto could replace him at Alpine

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Jack Doohan has revealed that Alpine has reassured him about his place in Formula 1 amid rumours that Franco Colapinto is being lined up to replace him mid-season.

Doohan is gearing up to embark on his rookie campaign in the sport having been chosen to replace the departed Esteban Ocon to partner the established Pierre Gasly. 

However, the Enstone-based squad negotiating a deal with Williams to acquire Colapinto has triggered speculation that he is set to take Doohan’s spot at some stage. 

Williams boss James Vowles added more substance to such claims when he revealed that Colapinto’s release to Alpine could even secure him a return to F1 this season.

The Argentine had impressed in an interim spell with Williams last time around, but Carlos Sainz’s arrival resigned him not to retaining his drive at the Grove-based squad.

But Doohan, who conducted his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi in December, dismissed the mounting reports surrounding his position, citing that pressure is inevitable in the sport.

Asked what Alpine has told him about Colapinto’s role, Doohan told media including Motorsport Week at the F1 75 event: “I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver. 

“I think regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world. I know when I was a go-karter in Formula 3, Formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.

“I don’t think necessarily if it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cutthroat sport.

“Whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it, and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”

Doohan not feeling Colapinto pressure at Alpine

Pressed on whether Colapinto’s presence has made him feel undermined at Alpine, the Australian highlighted that he was in the exact same role this time 12 months ago. 

“I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract, but no, I don’t,” he replied. “Maybe I should? I don’t really understand that question, but definitely not.”

Doohan eager to learn from Gasly

Doohan, who has been embedded in the Alpine setup since 2022, expressed that he is eager to draw on Gasly’s vast experience in the sport to negotiate his maiden season.

“I’ve been, obviously, a team-mate directly in the car for the last two years, but from, let’s say, a third person point of view, looking in and seeing Pierre as a driver and obviously him being so richly experienced now, a race winner, podium finisher, an exceptional driver in Formula 1,” he assessed.

“So to be partnered up against him is great and I’m sure it’ll be amazing for me to learn off him and increase my capabilities in Formula 1 car.”

READ MORE – James Vowles confirms Franco Colapinto will return to Williams

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A new documentary produced by Formula 1 dubbed ‘Rookies’ has allowed viewers to gain extra insight into the series’ newest drivers.

After 2024 saw the same 20 drivers carried over from the year before in the same seats for the first time in F1 series history, 2025 has seen a dramatic swing back in the opposite direction and this new documentary on F1TV celebrates just that.

Produced and directed by Rory Child, ‘Rookies’ is a 50-minute documentary taking audiences behind the scenes to learn more about F1’s five newbies joining the 2025 grid.

The young men in question are Haas’ Oliver Bearman, Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Alpine’s Jack Doohan, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Racing Bulls‘ Isack Hadjar.

Child guides the viewer through the experiences of each rookie throughout 2024, the pivotal year for all five of F1s newcomers and a series of talking heads including renowned commentator Alex Jacques and F2 & F3 CEO Bruno Michel compliment on-track footage and interviews with the five drivers themselves.

The doc opens with Jacques in voice-over, saying “A new generation is about to burst onto the Formula 1 scene,” before introducing our rookies in a series of action shots and interview snippets, interspersed with commentary from the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell in a glitzy introduction.

Throughout, Jacques plays a familiar role in the documentary, one which Will Buxton performs in Netflix’s Drive to Survive, navigating the novice viewer through the intricacies of the single-seater pyramid.

Michel then hails the recent impact of F1 teams operating driver academies in junior formula and it is at this point we are introduced to the first of our five rookies: Bearman.

Here the framework for the doc is laid out, repeated with the remaining four rookies. 

We see the stories of how the rookies landed their F1 promotions, and what motivates them, but more importantly, we learn a bit more about their character from those around them.

Bearman performs best under pressure

So, what did we learn about Bearman?

Perhaps the best man to comment on Haas’ latest acquisition is his father David, who says “Whenever Ollie has been given that moment and when it has been time to perform, he’s stepped up. He’s stepped up every time and that’s incredible to watch.”

Bearman had to step during Round 2 of the 2024 F1 season to replace appendicitis-suffering Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Jeddah and he was able to jump in at the 11th hour and score points in seventh place. 

“I always found with Ollie if you put him under pressure he performs even better,” says his father.

Bearman acknowledged that the race in Jeddah “changed his life,” with F2 CEO Michel adding it “helped” open the door for more rookies to get their opportunities.

‘Fierce’ Antonelli is the long-term future for Mercedes

18-year-old Antonelli was another of the most talked about names last year in F2, having bypassed F3 to make his debut in the series.

The hype around the young Italian is now reaching an astronomical level as Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes.

Antonelli has long been a part of the Mercedes family, with Driver Development Advisor Gwen Lagrue pointing out he scouted the young Italian when he was just 11 years old, noting“He was already quite special” at that stage.

As the man who identified his talent, Lagrue is a great candidate to explain why Antonelli is so highly regarded.

Mercedes Team Principal Wolff says in the documentary “We expect difficult moments. With Kimi, we can see because of his upbringing, his background, his family, also being a part of our family for a long time he’s fierce.”

A crash during his FP1 debut with Mercedes at Monza perhaps characterised the ferocity Wolff credits Antonelli with possessing.

“There’s no doubt he has the talent, the ability, the skills and now it’s about allowing him the space to grow up within this crazy, tough, ruthless environment,” adds Wolff.

What is clear is that Mercedes and Antonelli aim to be together for the long haul with the Italian calling Wolff a “second dad to me” and the Austrian saying “we will protect him, we will allow him to grow. Kimi is the long-term future of the team.”

Doohan is driven to succeed

Doohan is unique among the five rookies in two ways.

First, he is the only one who didn’t have a full-time racing programme in 2024, instead acting as Alpine’s reserve driver.

Second, he is the only one who can call five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan his father.

“It’s very rewarding to see him [succeed] because he’s the one who asked me if he won another championship in Australia if I’d take him to Europe go-karting,” says Doohan senior.

“He was the one who wanted to do that and then it has been a ride from there and the drive and the determination that he’s had. So to see it actually pay off is so rewarding as a father.

“I know that he’s fully immersed himself into the team, into the sim work, he’s been doing plenty of mileage in the older cars so he’s embraced that and I think that’s the thing he knows if he wanted to go to the next level he needs to put in that groundwork. 

“I’m not just saying that as a father, I’m saying that as someone who’s had that mindset himself and I can see it in Jack. Sure I’ve given him some guidance but he’s got that drive and dedication himself.”

Bortoleto has the ‘soft skills to succeed in F1

Bortoleto graduates to F1 in the exclusive club of drivers to win the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in consecutive rookie seasons.

That granted the former McLaren junior the chance to sign with Sauber on a multi-year deal that will see the young Brazilian race under the banner of Audi in his sophomore season next year.

His story in the documentary begins with the stunning last-to-first victory at Monza, which helped catapult him into title contention.

It’s also a race that made Sauber Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto take notice.

“It’s that the type of drive that makes you convinced that the talent and the potential are there,” the Sauber boss says, interspersed with footage of Bortoleto celebrating on the Monza podium.

“I’m so happy that he chose us,” adds Binotto. 

“He was so enthusiastic about the Audi F1 project because it’s really starting from zero and I think that’s exactly the right mindset I was looking for.

“He impressed me the way he was driving, but he impressed me more as a person. What will be in F1 we will see but I think he’s got all the soft skills that are required to be a champion in the future.”

Hadjar delivers when called upon

Hadjar’s 2024 season was unlike his fellow F2 competitors as the reality that he might secure a drive in F1 was only realised post-season.

An agonising end to his title fight with Bortoleto ended with a stall at the start of the final race and that wasn’t the only moment of strife that Hadjar had to overcome in 2024.

The Red Bull junior lost the feature race win in Monaco thanks to a late Virtual Safety Car handing Zak O’Sullivan a free pitstop. 

One points finish from the first five races also characterised the hurdles Hadjar had to overcome as he sought to recover from an underwhelming rookie F2 season in 2023.

Someone who knows Hadjar better than most, and what it takes to succeed at the very top of the sport is Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin, Head of the Driver Academy at Red Bull and the man who made the iconic “Du Best Weltmeister” radio call as Sebastian Vettel won his first world title in 2010.

With his future on the line, an F2 title at stake and the glimmer of hope he’d get a shot at F1, Rocky says Hadjar “He handled the pressure very well and I think to be honest, surprisingly, the pressure was more the previous year [2023] in his rookie campaign in F2.

“I think he had a very tough introduction to F2, he struggled quite a lot, the results weren’t what he was used to, and the pace wasn’t there. So there was a lot of question marks and I think he thought his career was over then.

“He entered this season with a lot more belief, a lot more confidence and I think while the pressure was there because the results were required, the pressure put on himself was less than the previous year because he had so much more confidence. 

“When called upon, he really delivered and did very well so there’s not much I can criticise from his performance,” he concludes. 

Red Bull told Hadjar that 2024 was his last chance to prove himself and he did just that, earning his spot on the 2025 grid alongside his four fellow rookies.

The quintet, based on the appraisals of those closest to them, all look set to make their mark on F1.

READ MORE – F1 releases behind the scenes documentary on 2025 rookies

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Red Bull Formula 1 advisor Helmut Marko was not excited by the performance of Jack Doohan as he finished 15th in his debut for Alpine.

The Australian signed up to drive alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2025 season after fellow French driver Esteban Ocon left for Haas.

However, Alpine announced last week that Franco Colapinto would be joining the Enstone-based outfit in a reserve driver role – sparking rumours that Doohan could be replaced by the Argentine early in the season if he doesn’t perform.

Doohan expressed how he was a “little bit disappointed” after qualifying last for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he made an unexpected early debut after Ocon and Alpine parted ways early.

But after a tough race, he said he was “super happy with the whole experience”.

Marko however, speaking to F1 Insider believes: “There should have been more.”

Despite failing to impress the 81-year-old, Doohan did enough in the eyes of former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer.

“He didn’t do a lot, did he? But he didn’t do a lot wrong either,” the Briton told the Chequered Flag podcast.

“It’s fine, it’s difficult to parachute someone in for a final race.

“Abu Dhabi is a nice track with big run-offs but I’m looking forward to seeing what he and all the rookies can do next season.”

Briatore: ‘You can’t be emotional in F1’

Doohan only made his debut in F1 earlier than anticipated after Ocon made an early exit to test for Haas in the post-season outing.

So expectations for the 21-year-old should not have been that high anyway.

That didn’t stop Alpine executive director Flavio Briatore, before the Colapinto announcement, from refusing to offer any guarantees over his future after being asked if Doohan would complete a full season in 2025.

“The only thing we can be sure of is death!” he told Le Parisien.

“We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that.

“After that, we’ll see as the season progresses.

“If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him.

“You can’t be emotional in F1.”

A recent report by F1 Insider suggests that Alpine paid £8.4m for Colapinto’s services next season – a significant fee for a reserve team driver.

But if Briatore makes the brutal decision to drop Doohan, the potential sponsorship deals that come with Colapinto could help recoup some of that money spent on him.

READ MORE: Alpine insists Jack Doohan to begin F1 2025 despite Franco Colapinto arrival

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Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has insisted that Jack Doohan will begin the 2025 Formula 1 season amid the team signing Franco Colapinto to a reserve role.

The Enstone-based squad has announced that an agreement has been reached with Williams to release Colapinto, who has penned a multi-term deal with his new side.

Colapinto burst onto the scene last term when he replaced Logan Sargeant mid-season, impressing with two points finishes in his nine-race stint alongside Alex Albon.

But retaining that seat was never an option as Williams had snapped up multiple race winner Carlos Sainz to partner incumbent Albon prior to Colapinto’s emergence.

Meanwhile, Colapinto ending his interim spell with several shunts prompted Red Bull and Sauber’s initial interest to subside, consigning him to a spell on the sidelines.

However, Colapinto’s Alpine switch has prompted reports a return could be on the cards, with Williams boss James Vowles indicating that might even transpire in 2025.

The Argentine’s comeback could come at Jack Doohan’s expense as speculation has swirled that Alpine could move aside the Australian to promote its newest recruit.

Briatore, though, has said Doohan, who made his F1 debut at the final round in Abu Dhabi last month, will start the upcoming season with Pierre Gasly in Alpine’s A525.

Asked whether Doohan was certain to commence the 2025 campaign before the Colapinto news, Briatore told Le Parisien: “The only thing we can be sure of is death!

“We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that.”

Doohan continuation depends on results

But Briatore has implied that Doohan’s continuation will depend on how he stacks up against Gasly as he reiterated his willingness to impose a mid-season change.

“After that, we’ll see as the season progresses,” he continued.

“I have to get the team in the right condition to get results and the driver is the one who has to conclude the work of nearly 1,000 people behind him. Everyone works for just two people.

“If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”

Colapinto ‘among best talents in motorsport’

The Italian has expressed his admiration towards Colapinto on numerous occasions and has dubbed his newest prospect “among the best talents in motorsport.”

“We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto,” Briatore beamed.

“Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver

“We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”

READ MORE – Williams explains decision to release Franco Colapinto to Alpine

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Ralf Schumacher has claimed that nephew Mick was hampered in the shootout that resulted in Alpine choosing Jack Doohan to complete its 2025 Formula 1 line-up.

Alpine announced before the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend that reserve driver Doohan will step up to a race drive next season to replace the outgoing Esteban Ocon.

Doohan was considered the leading option to partner incumbent Pierre Gasly since Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz turned down Alpine’s advances to agree a move to Williams.

However, Schumacher was believed to also have been in the running owing to his ties to Alpine through his involvement with its World Endurance Championship side.

The German, who is also Mercedes’ reserve option, hasn’t competed in F1 since Haas elected not to extend his two-season spell with the team come the end of 2022.

Both Doohan and Schumacher were touted to have participated in a recent test to compare the pair’s credentials, which resulted in the Australian being given the nod.

But Schumacher’s uncle has cast doubt on whether Alpine even intended to consider the shootout, as he revealed that Doohan was given more favourable conditions.

“He [Mick] drove in the afternoon and Jack Doohan in the morning,” Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany.

“I’ve been there myself. If you drove at 09:00, you were two and a half seconds faster because it was 38 degrees in the afternoon and there was wind.

“If you approach a test like that, you have to doubt that they took it seriously. I think it’s a shame because it’s just not fair and because nobody else gets the chance.”

Meanwhile, Schumacher also slammed the Enstone-based squad’s management over the choice to not tell Mick that he wouldn’t be driving in F1 with Alpine in 2025.

“That’s absolutely not the way!” Schumacher expressed in regard to Mick discovering the news through social media.

“You can just say that the team has completely lost its way at the moment anyway.

“People are being thrown out, thrown back in and so on. Flavio [Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor] is kind of floating above it.”

Schumacher has not relinquished hope that he could land a place on the 2025 grid, though, with Sauber as it prepares to evolve into Audi still boasting a vacant drive.

“In the end, for my part, I am not giving up,” Schumacher insisted.

“There are still two seats open and so we have to keep working and pushing.

“Hopefully with a good result at the end of the year. You’ve already been able to see what I can do. Internally, the teams know that too.”

The ex-Formula 2 champion could be in line to make a surprise return mid-season as Williams contemplates whether to replace the departing Logan Sargeant earlier.

The post Ralf Schumacher claims nephew Mick was hampered in Alpine’s 2025 F1 shootout appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Alpine has elected to promote its Reserve Driver Jack Doohan to a full-time drive for the 2025 Formula 1 season, per a Friday announcement by the Anglo-French outfit.

With Esteban Ocon’s departure from the Enstone-Viry squad confirmed in June, Alpine made a bid to sign Carlos Sainz to race alongside Pierre Galsy in 2025.

With Sainz choosing Williams as his next team last month, Alpine turned its attention inward.

Doohan, a long-serving member of the Alpine Academy Programme was named alongside the team’s FIA World Endurance Championship driver Mick Schumacher as a potential suitor for the seat and the Australian has ultimately won out.

“I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team,” Doohan said.

“I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management.

“There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up.

“It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality.

“It’s an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.”

Doohan has been without a full-time race seat in 2024, instead participating as a Reserve Driver and he has so far conducted multiple tests and practice sessions for Alpine this year.

In 2023, Doohan finished third in the FIA Formula 2 Drivers’ standings with three race wins to his name and he now becomes the first member of the Alpine Academy to graduate to F1 with the team itself.

”We are very excited to promote Jack into the race seat from next season and, in doing so, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skill and talent in Formula 1,” said Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes.

“Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway.

“Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential.

“He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team.

“Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination between youthful energy, experience, and pure speed.

“We look forward to working with both Jack and Pierre in order to keep developing the car and bring the team up the grid.”

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Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has claimed that the team’s 2025 Formula 1 driver choice will “make no difference” until it gives them a more competitive car.

The Anglo-French marque announced in June that Briatore was returning to the side, known as Alpine since 2021, in an advisor position to Renault CEO Luca de Meo.

Briatore was at the helm when the Enstone-based squad sustained success under the Benetton guise in the 1990s and again when it ran as Renault in the mid-2000s.

However, Briatore vacated his role in 2009 when he was handed a permanent ban over his involvement in the ‘Crashgate’ scandal, which was later overturned in court.

The eccentric Italian has become a prominent figure within the paddock again as de Meo has called on his experience to help revitalise the beleaguered Alpine squad.

“It’s a new challenge, it’s a new motivation – I’m very happy to come back,” Briatore said.

“Now you know we have a new team principal [Oliver Oakes]. Basically, it’s Luca and myself, and Oliver as the team principal. And we’re working like that.”

Briatore was believed to have instigated Alpine’s attempt to sign outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, but the Spaniard has since chosen to move to Williams in 2025.

With Sainz electing to head elsewhere, Alpine is set to promote reserve Jack Doohan, who has been conducting extensive testing, to the drive alongside Pierre Gasly.

But while Doohan represents a downgrade on Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, Briatore has contended that Alpine’s line-up is insignificant until other areas are addressed.

“At the moment you need to put the team together, from the commercial side, the technical side, the management side,” he explained.

“The driver makes no difference now. The difference will be in 2026, 2027, 2028. This should be the difference for the driver.”

Alpine has endured a tumultuous campaign with an uncompetitive A524 car as it languishes eighth in the Constructors’ Championship with 11 points from 14 rounds.

However, Briatore, who guided Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso to titles, is certain Alpine will be much more competitive once the regulations reset in 2026.

“If you have a good car, you need a good driver,” he added. “If the car is not performing…

“Our point in this moment, make sure we put all the energy in the technical side and make sure the car of Alpine is looking better and better and improving for next year.

“In 2026, I believe, we see the new Alpine.”

Briatore is so optimistic about Alpine’s chances that he has guaranteed the team will be back on the podium rostrum on merit in the second term under the new rules.

“Alpine – I promise you – give me two years. In two years’ time we see the podium,” he concluded. “In 2027, we have a podium”.

The post Briatore: Alpine’s 2025 F1 driver choice will ‘make no difference’ appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Alpine boss Bruno Famin has disclosed that “professionalism” is the main criteria the team is considering when it comes to deciding its 2025 Formula 1 driver line-up.

The Enstone-based squad announced last week that Esteban Ocon will not be penning a contract extension and will be departing once the current season concludes.

Ocon and Pierre Gasly have had several flashpoints since becoming team-mates last term, culminating with a contentious first-lap clash in Monaco earlier this month.

But as Alpine mulls over the options to replace Ocon, Famin has outlined that having two drivers who can work together will be essential in the pairing that it chooses.

“I think the relationship doesn’t matter. The professionalism matters. We need professional drivers,” Famin told Sky Sports F1.

“They need to work together. It’s part of the job to be able to work with his team-mate to get the best for the team.”

Ocon’s impending exit ensures that Alpine will have a vacant place next season, with reserve driver Jack Doohan tipped as the favourite to partner incumbent Gasly.

Doohan has been undertaking a testing regime with Alpine in older-spec cars and was handed an FP1 session in Canada, though wet weather restricted his running.

Famin has since confirmed that the Australian, who classified third in Formula 2 last season, is a concrete candidate to be promoted to a permanent 2025 race seat.

“I think he’s an option, for sure. Jack is an option,” he divulged. “We are preparing him.

“He was testing in [Austria] not long time ago and yeah, he has a quite heavy testing programme – and we’re happy with that,” Famin continued.

“Let’s see how he develops. He is one possibility among others, but he’s one possibility for sure.”

Elsewhere, Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou are considered potential candidates, along with Alpine World Endurance Championship driver Mick Schumacher.

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