Alpine’s recent decision to drop reserve driver Jack Doohan may seem severe, but when viewed alongside Flavio Briatore’s broader strategy to reshape the Formula 1 team, it appears to be a calculated and ultimately justifiable move.
Doohan, a promising young talent with ties to the Alpine driver academy, was widely considered a potential candidate for a future race seat. However, his abrupt exit from the team’s development structure has raised eyebrows in the paddock. Many believe his removal reflects a harsher shift in team philosophy under the influence of Briatore, who has returned to play a major role in Alpine’s management.
Briatore, known for his no-nonsense leadership style and history of turning underperforming teams around, seems determined to revamp Alpine’s driver strategy and technical direction. His recent changes, though controversial, are part of a broader effort to reset the team’s trajectory after several seasons of inconsistent results.
While Doohan’s dismissal is undoubtedly disappointing for his supporters, it signals a new era at Alpine—one where performance and alignment with the team’s long-term vision outweigh sentiment or potential. If Briatore’s plan succeeds, this tough call might be remembered not as a mistake, but as a necessary step toward building a more competitive team.
