This Thursday, Alpine announced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa as another reserve driver, alongside Paul Aron. In recent days, a rumor concerning Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto has also been on the table.
Between recruitments, a new era and other celebrations accompanying winter in Formula 1, Alpine is in the midst of a revolution. At least, that’s what it seems. Even though little information filters through on the other teams, information concerning the French team arises quickly. These reinforce the uncertainty around a “team” behind which many questions hide.
“If there is a driver who is not moving forward, I change him”
Flavio Briatore could not have been clearer in an interview given to Parisian (December 22, 2024). The sports advisor d’Alpine does not want to indulge in sentimentality when it comes to pilots: “I have to put the stable in condition to get results. And the pilot is the one who must conclude the work of nearly 1,000 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“.
Based on this postulate, it is difficult to imagine that in the event of poor results, Jack Doohan keeps his seat. The terms of his contract would give him six tries. If he is not at the level targeted by his bosses, then and only, he would see himself in danger. But, for now, he has the support of his superior. “We will start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee it. Afterwards, we will see during the season“, he also certified before Christmas.
-This does not prevent rumors announcing the arrival of Franco Colapinto to fuse. And the signature of Ryo Hirakawa as a test pilot did not change the trend. Indeed, Paul Aaron had already held this position since the end of 2024 and yet the team has recruited a second reserve driver. Colapinto could thus be the 3rd replacement and provide a new guarantee to Alpine if something goes wrong.
Until now the Formula 2 driver is still a member of the Academy Alpine. However, with the arrival of Doohan and Aronit was already clear that the team did not have plans to develop him. The signature d’Hirakawa only amplifies what is left unsaid, and the rumors about Colapintoincrease it.
In all likelihood, Martins should return to the tracks of the world for the 3rd consecutive year in F2. But, will he do it again with the support of the French team? This still remains to be seen.
