- Alpine is on the lookout for a new driver to replace Esteban Ocon.
- Professionalism and teamwork are top priorities for the new lineup.
- Jack Doohan and Zhou Guanyu are among the potential candidates.
- Recent crashes at the Monaco Grand Prix have sparked serious discussions about team dynamics.
Esteban Ocon’s early exit from the Monaco Grand Prix after colliding with Pierre Gasly has prompted Alpine to rethink their driver lineup for the 2025 season. The team has made it clear that professionalism and the ability to work well with teammates are their main criteria.
Alpine’s team boss, Bruno Famin, emphasized the importance of professional drivers who can collaborate effectively. ‘I think the relationship doesn’t matter. The professionalism matters. We need professional drivers,’ Famin told Sky F1. His comments came after the recent crash between Ocon and Gasly, in which Ocon’s reckless maneuver led to severe damage to both cars on the opening lap.
While Mick Schumacher has been linked to the open seat, it’s Jack Doohan, Alpine’s 21-year-old reserve driver, who is considered the leading contender to fill Ocon’s shoes. Zhou Guanyu from Sauber is also in the running, having expressed interest in the position.
Serious discussions have been taking place within the team to address issues of on-track behavior. ‘Talking directly to them, I think when we have the beginning of a problem, let’s talk, the three of us,’ Famin stated. He mentioned that clear communication is key to resolving such matters effectively.
Famin denied rumors that he had a private conversation with Ocon on the grid before the Monaco race, but clarified that pre-race briefings are always conducted with all drivers to ensure everyone is on the same page. ‘The instructions were clear before the race in Monaco, like it was clear before the previous one. It was very clear,’ Famin reiterated.
Ocon has been rumored to be moving to Haas, where team boss Ayao Komatsu considers him a ‘serious’ candidate. Meanwhile, Gasly is expected to stay with Alpine.
Alpine is prioritizing professionalism and teamwork in their search for a new driver to ensure better team dynamics and performance.
