In the world of Formula 1, Alpine recently threw the motorsport community into a frenzy with a whirlwind 24 hours of changes. Key figures swapped roles, and drivers found themselves in new positions on the team, creating a buzz among fans and analysts alike.
The rapid chain of events kicked off with the abrupt resignation of Oliver Oakes. Having taken the helm just last summer, he quickly became instrumental in Alpine’s rise to sixth place in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship. Despite this success, Oakes decided to step down, sparking curiosity and speculation about the reasons behind his sudden exit.
Following Oakes’s departure, Flavio Briatore, a seasoned figure in the Formula 1 realm, stepped in as the team principal. Briatore’s history in the sport is marked by high-profile successes and controversies, adding a new layer of intrigue to his appointment at Alpine.
However, the changes didn’t stop there. Hours later, Alpine announced that Franco Colapinto would join Pierre Gasly on the race track, replacing Jack Doohan. This decision, the team explained, is part of an ongoing evaluation of their driver lineup. While Doohan has been relegated to a reserve driver role, he remains an integral part of Alpine’s strategy, awaiting another opportunity to prove his worth.
Colapinto’s chance to drive isn’t his first brush with F1. His stint with Williams last season saw him scoring points, yet he also faced criticism after several costly crashes. Alpine’s decision to place him alongside Gasly suggests a calculated risk, aiming to balance potential with experience.
Meanwhile, Briatore has outlined the importance of the upcoming races, not only to test this new driver dynamic but also as a preparatory move for the 2026 season. With Colapinto’s performance under scrutiny in the next five events, the team is set to reassess its strategy post-July’s British Grand Prix.
Jack Doohan’s shift from a regular driver to a backup role follows a lackluster season start. Despite moments where he matched competitors, Doohan couldn’t consistently outperform Gasly, resulting in his temporary demotion. Briatore’s influence and the need for optimization ahead of 2026 appear to have significantly influenced these strategic shifts.
Alpine’s day of upheaval has left the motorsport world buzzing. While the team pushes forward with its revised lineup and leadership, the spotlight remains firmly on its newest decisions. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Alpine as they navigate the road ahead.
