Pierrre Gasly and Jack Doohan. (Image: Getty)
drivers Jack Doohan and have been issued a stark warning over their performances before the 2025 Formula One season has even begun. After it was confirmed that would be switching to next year, the Enstone-based team announced in August that Doohan, 21, would be stepping up from his reserve driver role to replace him.
That was despite Alpine being previously linked to Franco Colapinto, who then went on to replace at for the final nine races of 2024.
The Argentinian secured two top-10 finishes but was also guilty of ill-discipline and was forced to retire in three of the final four races.
Colapinto is now without a seat for next year, but is likely to be a contender to make the grid if an opportunity comes up. And Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has now said he won’t be afraid to make a change if his new pairing doesn’t perform.
“The only thing we can be sure of is death!” he told Le Parisien, when asked if it was set in stone that Doohan and Gasly would start the season together in Australia. “We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses.
“I have to get the team in the right condition to get results and the driver is the one who has to conclude the work of nearly 1,000 people behind him. Everyone works for just two people. If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”
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Franco Colapinto was in contention for an Alpine seat. (Image: Getty)
It would seem that rookie Doohan would be the driver most at risk. He’s only started one F1 race, finishing in December.
And right up until the race at the Yas Marina, speculation was rife that Briatore was looking to instigate a last-minute change and bid to sign Colapinto in his place. Those rumours were exacerbated when the pair were seen deep in conversation in the paddock at the penultimate race in Qatar, but nothing materialised.
Gasly meanwhile, impressed over the year with 42 points, enough for 10th place in the drivers’ standings. He also avoided any major racing incidents during the season and helped Alpine secure sixth place in the constructors’ standings.
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And Briatore, who came back on board at Alpine in May this year, challenged Doohan to now match his more esteemed partner. “His attitude has changed completely this season,” he said. “He’s never had an accident.
“If we’ve managed to finish sixth, it’s thanks to him. I’m sure that Pierre will continue his great work and that Jack Doohan will be up to the challenge.”