Alpine is once again in turmoil, facing a possible lineup shake-up as reports suggest Jack Doohan may be replaced as the team continues to struggle in the 2024 Formula 1 season. The Australian driver, after just six races, finds himself at the center of the crisis, following a public reprimand from departed team principal Oliver Oakes and a disappointing start that has left Alpine with only seven points after six rounds. With Oakes resigning and executive advisor Flavio Briatore stepping in temporarily, the team is searching for quick solutions ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
This season has been a harsh one for Alpine, who had hoped to bounce back after a series of high-profile departures in 2023, including team principal Otmar Szafnauer. Expectations were high, but the team’s performance has failed to deliver. Jack Doohan, a 22-year-old talent, has struggled to find his footing, recording no points and suffering two retirements in Australia and Miami. These results have fueled speculation about his future with the team.
According to insiders, Franco Colapinto could take Doohan’s seat as early as the Imola weekend, signaling a drastic change in Alpine’s driver lineup. This potential move would mark a sharp end to a brief opportunity for Doohan to prove himself, intensifying the pressure on the young driver amid the team’s quest for stability.
Fabio Bocca, co-host of the Pitstop podcast, voiced a pragmatic perspective on the situation, suggesting that Alpine’s decision to possibly sack Doohan would not be surprising under the current circumstances.
“I don’t think it is sad because, like I said before, they should be driving to survive,”
Bocca stated, emphasizing the immense financial and competitive stakes involved in Formula 1. He highlighted that Doohan’s performance has not met the expectations placed upon him given the investment in his seat.
Bocca also revealed the tense scene involving Doohan and Oakes, describing how the young driver was publicly berated in the paddock.
“Apparently, he’s walked into the paddock and Oliver Oakes just unleashed hell in front of everyone in the Alpine hospitality,”
Bocca explained. This public confrontation followed a frustrating race weekend for Doohan, where a chaotic pit lane moment—caused by the team releasing Doohan and teammate Pierre Gasly simultaneously—led to a poor qualifying performance and a Q1 exit.
The fallout from these events adds another layer of urgency to Alpine’s management crisis, prompting questions about the team‘s future direction and whether Doohan can overcome this difficult chapter. As the Imola race approaches, many eyes will be on Alpine’s decisions, which could reshape the team lineup and determine if Doohan retains his seat or faces an early exit from F1 racing.
Alpine’s handling of the situation underscores the brutal reality of Formula 1, where talent must constantly be proven, and patience is often in short supply. For Jack Doohan, this moment could be pivotal, as the team’s ongoing challenges force critical decisions that might impact his career trajectory profoundly.
