Alpine bid farewell to driver Jack Doohan in the aftermath of the Miami Grand Prix. After six disappointing Grands Prix, the Australian had to give up his seat to test and reserve driver Franco Colapinto. The switch had been looming for some time – in fact, there was already talk of extra pressure within Alpine during the winter tests. Commentator and former driver Martin Brundle understands Alpine’s decision; Doohan has been weighed and found wanting.
Jack Doohan knows that Franco Colapinto will get at least five races to prove himself. Alpine publicly announced that the Argentine has a contract until the Austrian Grand Prix. Even before the season started in Australia, Doohan was already under immense pressure. Top advisor Flavio Briatore brought Colapinto over from Williams, making it clear quite quickly that the Australian had to fear for his seat.
Reflecting on the situation, Martin Brundle acknowledges that Doohan has been unlucky, but on the other hand, he maintains that Formula 1 is simply ‘a ruthless business’. “Is it about money?”, Brundle wondered aloud in a Sky Sports podcast. “Does Colapinto really bring in that much money?” The media is speculating that Alpine is primarily after the South American sponsorship money that the Argentine brings with him. Particularly in his home country, Colapinto is immensely popular and, during his time at Williams, he has secured a number of wealthy backers.
‘This is not a training ground, this is Formula 1’
“He (Colapinto) has wrecked a few Williams cars, but at the same time, he has shown that he has potential,” noted the British commentator. “Ultimately, a driver who does not perform well – regardless of his name or experience – will always be replaced,” Brundle continued about Doohan. “Then it doesn’t matter what’s in your contract. Flavio (Briatore) is part of Doohan’s management team, which somewhat complicates the matter. But if he simply can’t get the job done, they’ll have to make a change.”
“Of course, you can think to yourself: ‘Give Doohan until the summer break to find his groove,'” Brundle concluded. “‘He’s a rookie, and he’s shown a glimpse of speed and potential.’ But at the same time, this is a cutthroat business. This is not a training ground, this is Formula 1.” The question is whether Doohan will get a second chance after the Austrian GP – if Colapinto disappoints. Briatore stated that Alpine wants to make a new assessment by that time.
