Is Jack Doohan already in danger at Alpine? The 2025 season has not even started yet and the Australian’s place within the team seems threatened. In any case, this is what we must understand about Flavio Briatore’s latest media outing. The executive advisor of the French team gave an interview to Le Parisien on December 22, in which he discusses the management of his drivers and the rumors that surrounded the A fléché 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 then decided to place Jack Doohan in the A524 for the final race, officially to prepare it for 2025 and collect data with the Australian driver. However, it is no secret to say that the A arrow also had his sights set on Franco Colapinto for 2025, even if 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 within his team is guaranteed to finish the season if he does not perform well enough.
“The only thing sure is death!” We will start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee it. Afterwards, we will see during the season, declared the Italian leader to Le Parisien. I have to put the stable in condition to get results. And the pilot is the one who must conclude the work of nearly 1000 people behind him. Everyone works for just two people. If there is a driver who is not making progress, 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”
During his first Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Jack Doohan finished in 15th place, far from Pierre Gasly… but the Australian, in addition to discovering the premier category, did not have the latest developments on his mount, unlike the French. For his first full season in Formula 1, the Aussie will be put under pressure and scrutinized by the A arrow who, without doubt, has certainly placed performance clauses in his contract to be able to part with him in the event of a counter-attack. repeated 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 a lot this year, recognizes the Italian. He really is our pilot. I really thank him. He has completely changed his attitude this season. He never had any accidents. If we managed to be sixth, it’s thanks to him. I am sure that Pierre will continue his great work. And that Jack Doohan will live up to it. »
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