F1
Briatore implies thatAlpine could change drivers…during the 2025 season
© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Is Jack Doohan already in danger at Alpine ? The 2025 season has not even started yet and the Australian's place in the team seems threatened. This is in any case what we must understand from the latest media release by Flavio Briatore. The executive advisor of the French team gave an interview to Le Parisien on December 22, in which he returns to the management of his drivers and to the rumors which surrounded the A arrow at the end of the season after the premature and surprise divorce between Esteban Ocon and Alpine, before the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Alpine had then decided to put Jack Doohan in the A524 for the final race, officially to prepare him for 2025 and to collect data with the Australian driver. However, it is no secret to say that the Arrowed A also had its sights set on Franco Colapinto for 2025, even though Jack Doohan had been confirmed for the second seat alongside Pierre Gasly. The Argentinian was coveted for his potential on the track but also for his sponsors and his popularity in Latin America. For Flavio Briatore, no driver in his team is guaranteed to finish the season if he does not perform well enough.
"The only thing that's certain is death! We're going to start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee you that. Afterwards, we'll see during the season, the Italian leader told Le Parisien. I have to put the team in condition to get results. And the driver is the one who has to conclude the work of nearly 1000 people behind him. Everyone works for only two people. If there is a driver who is not progressing, who is not bringing me results, I change him. You can't be emotional in F1 »
Briatore impressed by Gasly: " If we managed to be 6th, it's thanks to him"
In his first Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Jack Doohan finished in 15th place, far behind Pierre Gasly… but the Australian was discovering the premier class. For his first full season in Formula 1, the Aussie will be put under pressure and scrutinized by the Arrowed A who, without a doubt, has certainly placed performance clauses in his contract to be able to part ways with him in the event of repeated poor performances. As for Pierre Gasly, who has a multi-year contract beyond 2025, his place should not be threatened: in any case, Flavio Briatore was full of praise for the French driver.
"Pierre did an extraordinary job. He surprised me enormously this year, recognizes the Italian. He is truly our driver. I really thank him. He has completely changed his attitude this season. He has never had any accidents. If we managed to be sixth, it is thanks to him. I am sure that Pierre will continue his great work. And that Jack Doohan will be up to his standard.
ALSO READ > Oakes 'wasn't worried' about instabilityAlpine before becoming Team Principal
Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
Continue reading on these topics:
Read also
Thierry Pingret
28/12/2024 at 10:32 a.m.
I have a solution for Briatore, Doohan would have to crash into the wall to make Gasly win, that would be unprecedented.
France
28/12/2024 at 06:55 a.m.
I don't know if because he's Italian, he lets him do whatever he wants. What is certain is that he will destroy it definitively alpine in Formula 1. This guy is Pipolito. I hope de Meo will have to answer for it in a few semesters.
Fermanel
28/12/2024 at 08:51 a.m.
He wants to put colapinto
RSTGV
27/12/2024 at 06:10 a.m.
And him, Mr BRIATORE, if the results are not there, he leaves the game without going through the Bank box?
Yves-Henri RANDIER
27/12/2024 at 02:39 a.m.
The King of Cheaters "Il Magnifico Flavio" is therefore inspired by Red Bull management: "if you don't perform quickly, this way out!". A way of warning his "protégé" by already putting pressure on him even though the season hasn't even started. That being said, if Albon is not up to par against Sainz at Williams Racing, he could give up his place to Colapinto during the season and the King of Cheaters would then find himself in a difficult position to replace Doohan if he is not up to par...