Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has revealed how the desire to evaluate the team’s Formula 1 driver pool before 2026 contributed to Jack Doohan’s demotion.
The Enstone-based squad has chosen to impose a change to its driver line-up six races into the season as Franco Colapinto has been promoted at Doohan’s expense.
READ MORE – Franco Colapinto to replace Jack Doohan at Alpine from Imola
Doohan had endured a challenging start in his rookie campaign as several avoidable accidents had undermined the occasions where he had shown genuine potential.
That included last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, where a retirement-inducing first-turn collision preceded Briatore telling Doohan that he was returning to the sidelines.
Briatore, who has assumed the responsibilities that departed boss Oliver Oakes has vacated, admitted that Doohan’s point-less return had necessitated urgent action.
“Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races,” said Briatore.
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up.”
Alpine’s 2026 plans trigger driver change
Alpine has elected to hand Colapinto an initial five-race audition to showcase whether he can be the longer-term incumbent to the current spot alongside Pierre Gasly.
But although he hopes that the switch can bolster Alpine’s short-term prospects, Briatore pinpointed that the swap has been orchestrated with an eye on next season.
The Italian has been on record as stating that the Enstone-based squad is aiming to capitalise on the impending rule change in 2026 to score regular podium finishes.
“We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do in order to maximise our ambitions next year,” Briatore, who was integral in signing Colapinto from Williams, expanded.
“We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season.
“The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”
READ MORE – Jack Doohan pens reaction to immediate Alpine F1 demotion
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