BREAKING: Alpine SLAMMED Over Driver Switch as Gasly’s F…read more
Alpine Slammed Over Driver Switch as Gasly’s Future Comes Under Scrutiny
Alpine’s surprise decision to drop Jack Doohan after just six races has been labelled “unacceptable” by former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who also warned that Pierre Gasly could be next in line if results don’t improve.
Following weeks of speculation, Alpine confirmed that Doohan would be replaced by Franco Colapinto for the next five races, demoting the Australian back to his previous role as reserve driver. Doohan, who had only just broken into the starting lineup this season, expressed his frustration with the decision in a statement last week.
Montoya, speaking to Sites de Apostas, voiced his disapproval of the move and questioned Alpine’s approach to talent development.
“From a driver’s point of view, it’s unacceptable,” Montoya said. “They made a commitment to Jack Doohan — they gave him a contract and put faith in him. To pull the plug after just five races isn’t how you develop a driver.”
He suggested a more balanced strategy: “They could have given five races each to Doohan, Colapinto, and reserve driver Paul Aron. At the end of that, you’d have real data to decide who deserves the seat for next year.”
Pressure Mounting on Gasly
Montoya also raised questions about Pierre Gasly’s long-term prospects with the team. With Colapinto now stepping into a full-time seat, the Colombian believes the Frenchman is under increasing pressure.
“Briatore will be looking ahead — who are the best drivers to take forward?” he said. “If Colapinto comes in and starts outperforming Gasly, then you have to ask: is Gasly safe?”
Colapinto returns to Formula 1 after a brief but promising spell last year, when he stood in for Logan Sargeant at Williams and made a strong impression. Now, he has another opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage.
Alpine’s on-track struggles only add to the tension. With Gasly securing just seven points this season and Doohan failing to score before his dismissal, the team currently sits second from bottom in the constructors’ standings.
The turmoil has extended off the track as well, with team principal Oliver Oakes resigning with immediate effect. His departure leaves Flavio Briatore in charge heading into this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as Alpine attempts to steady a rapidly sinking ship.
