Michael Schumacher’s brother and F1 pundit, Ralf Schumacher, questioned Alpine’s decision to recruit Jack Doohan. The team’s advisor, Flavio Briatore, had other options for replacing Esteban Ocon but had to settle on the Australian driver. Alpine finished sixth in the constructors’ championship in 2024 and made a significant change to their driver roster for the new season. The team stated that reserve driver Jack Doohan would replace Esteban Ocon in 2025.
It surprised several analysts, including Ralf Schumacher. Ocon has been a driver for the French team since the 2020 season. He will join Haas next year and is likely to finish his five-year stint at Alpine next week. However, after crashing on lap one of the Qatar Grand Prix, Ocon’s stint at Alpine was cut short, and Doohan took over for the last race.
Ocon will now be allowed to participate in Haas’ post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit, after a request from the driver to Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore. This year, the Enstone-based team underwent a management revamp. Oliver Oakes has taken over as team principal from Bruno Famin. Briatore has returned as executive advisor for Renault’s Formula 1 operation, reporting to CEO Luca de Meo.
Esteban Ocon Deserved Better
Schumacher’s comments came after Argentine driver Franco Colapinto was linked to multiple F1 teams, including Alpine and Red Bull. In 2024, he succeeded Logan Sargeant as Williams’ driver and had a positive impression. Doohan has been part of Alpine’s youth program since 2022, so the squad is confident in him for the forthcoming season. The young Australian driver tested at Zandoovart and practiced in Canada and the British Grand Prix.
Ralf said, “There are enough young drivers who are waiting. I am curious in any case and there will be more things to come, also at Alpine, and still can’t believe that Jack Doohan is signed, even though the contract is done. I think Flavio Briatore had other things in mind.”
