An ex-Formula 1 star has called Alpine’s decision to replace one of their drivers with only six races under their belt “unacceptable.”
Franco Colapinto was given the opportunity to prove himself during the next five races after Jack Doohan was fired by the team after the Miami Grand Prix, after weeks of speculation.
Doohan, meantime, has been demoted back to the job of reserve driver, a position he held for the previous two seasons before earning his berth on the grid, and expressed his dissatisfaction over the decision via a statement last week.
And former Williams racer Juan Pablo Montoya believes the Australian has every reason to feel aggrieved, telling Sites de Apostas: “What’s unacceptable from a driver’s point of view, you committed to Jack Doohan and thought he was the best choice – Alpine gave him a contract.
“The Franco Colapinto situation was not a big deal because there were so many issues at Red Bull, but now the attention has turned back onto that situation.
“When Flavio Briatore came in, they somehow made a deal that Doohan had five races to perform.
“I would have given five races to Doohan, five races to Colapinto and five races to [reserve driver] Paul Aron, then you can sit down and evaluate who is the best choice for next year.”
Gasly facing 2026 threat
The Columbian also cast doubt over the future of Pierre Gasly, adding: “Briatore’s main thinking will be who is the main pair for next year?
“If Colapinto comes in and starts to beat Pierre Gasly, is Gasly in danger of losing his seat?”
This will be the Argentine’s second stint in F1, having caught the eye during the second half of last season after replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams.
With new team-mate Gasly having registered just seven points so far this season – Doohan had yet to get off the mark before getting the axe – the team currently sit second from bottom in the constructors’ standings.
Briatore will be in charge of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna GP after team principal Oliver Oakes resigned from his position with immediate effect, adding to the chaotic week for the Enstone-based squad.
