Following the Miami Grand Prix, Alpine decided to replace regular driver Jack Doohan with test and reserve driver Franco Colapinto. This news came on the heels of the sudden departure of team boss Oliver Oakes. The switch sparked a lot of criticism from the Formula 1 paddock. Was Doohan given a fair chance to prove himself? Former world champion Jenson Button advocates for new rules that could better protect drivers like Doohan in the future.
During a broadcast of Sky Sports in Monaco, Jenson Button discussed potential new rules that would require teams to retain drivers for at least one season. After seven Grand Prix in the current anniversary season, two drivers have already lost their seats. Liam Lawson was fired from Red Bull after two races, and Jack Doohan had to give up his Formula 1 seat after six races. Argentine and Williams veteran Franco Colapinto inherited his spot.
“Colapinto was extremely fast when he stepped into the Williams last year, and he immediately achieved a number of strong results,” Jenson Button began. “So I understand that you want him as a test driver, and of course he is willing to step into the car right away. But yes, being fired after a few races is quite harsh. I think there should be a rule that you can’t change drivers during a season. It’s like a contract – it should last a whole season.”
