Changes at Alpine F1, including a driver swap and team principal stepping down early in the season, raise questions about whether the team is facing a crisis.
Oliver Oakes` surprise resignation as team boss on Tuesday coincided closely with Alpine`s official announcement that Franco Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, a move that had been widely anticipated.
Although initial beliefs that Oakes` departure was directly linked to the driver change seem incorrect, this recent instability adds concern for Alpine, known as one of F1`s least stable teams in recent years.
Following these developments, Sky Sports F1`s Karun Chandhok and reporter Craig Slater discussed the situation on The F1 Show.
Exploring Alpine`s Unusual Driver `Rotation`
Despite F1 media widely reporting Jack Doohan`s likely replacement by Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix, Alpine`s announcement still surprised many.
The change was presented as a `rotation`, with Colapinto confirmed only for the next five races as Pierre Gasly`s teammate.
This type of temporary arrangement is uncommon in recent F1 history, and Alpine`s decision to publicly state the short duration of the deal is particularly noteworthy.
Alpine explained their rationale: with major regulation changes anticipated for 2026, which they hope will improve their performance, they want to evaluate young drivers now to build the strongest possible lineup for the future.
According to Slater, Alpine is optimistic about having a competitive package next season, citing their strong chassis and Mercedes engines.
He suggested Alpine could be among a few teams competing for the championship next year, mentioning even speculative links between Max Verstappen and the team, though acknowledging it seems unlikely for now.
Slater added that the team trusts Gasly and aims to determine the optimal driver combination for 2026.
Is Money the Main Factor in the Colapinto Deal?
A more cynical perspective suggests the five-race deal is primarily financially driven.
Colapinto showed promise during a nine-race stint with Williams late last season, gaining substantial sponsorship and popularity from Argentina.
Beyond his driving talent, his appeal in the South American market likely influenced Alpine executive director Flavio Briatore`s decision to reportedly pay Williams a fee of €4.5m (£3.8m) for a five-year loan deal for Colapinto.
Slater commented that financial considerations significantly influenced the decision to swap Colapinto in for Doohan.
He noted the considerable potential financial gain for Alpine, suggesting the fee paid to Williams for the reported five-year loan puts pressure on Alpine to recover that investment.
The unusual five-race duration, he believes, suggests an expectation that if Colapinto performs well, he will remain for the rest of the year.
The five-race arrangement is expected to attract valuable sponsorship and allows Alpine to verify the anticipated financial returns.
Jack Doohan: Unlucky or Is His F1 Chance Gone?
Even before his rookie F1 season started, Jack Doohan`s position seemed uncertain following Alpine`s January signing of Colapinto as a reserve driver, sparking rumors about the Australian`s future.
Given this context, he faced immense pressure to perform. Despite showing occasional speed, two significant crashes and a retirement in Miami left him exposed.
Although the team`s `rotation` description theoretically leaves the door open for Doohan`s return, it`s suspected that the next chance might instead go to Alpine`s other young reserve driver, Paul Aron.
Slater commented: `They have evaluated Jack Doohan. While not entirely impossible, his return to a race seat seems quite improbable.`
He added: `There are also Paul Aron and Colapinto. Both have had four tests this season using 2023 equipment, allowing the team to assess their abilities and readiness for a potential drive next year.`
Chandhok suggested that Doohan`s patient handling of this difficult situation stems from Alpine still representing his most realistic opportunity to return to the grid.
Chandhok stated: `With Cadillac entering F1, there`s much discussion about the driver market, but I haven`t heard of Jack being a top priority for anyone.`
He believes Doohan`s best prospect lies in Colapinto not performing well, leading Alpine to offer Doohan more testing opportunities to further develop his skills.
Is Oliver Oakes` Resignation Linked to Deeper Issues?
The timing of Oakes` resignation prompted many to assume he left due to disagreement with Flavio Briatore`s decision on the driver swap. However, official statements suggest otherwise.
On Wednesday, Briatore released a statement asserting their good relationship and citing `personal` reasons for the resignation, a point echoed by Oakes in his own statement.
Speaking before these statements were posted, Chandhok voiced his suspicions about the situation.
Chandhok stated: `I suspect there`s more going on. Something deeper is amiss at Alpine.`
`He hasn`t resigned solely because of a driver choice. Leaving a top team principal position wouldn`t typically happen just over who occupies the second car.`
`Therefore, for me, there are unresolved issues at play.`
Slater added that his information suggests Oakes` departure is not necessarily tied to the driver swap but perhaps to something else.
`Perhaps this timing provided a convenient opportunity for him to step down amidst other news.`
Is Alpine F1 Experiencing Turmoil?
Alpine has seen considerable upheaval recently, with Oakes being the fourth team boss to leave since the beginning of 2021.
Numerous other key personnel have departed from technical and management roles. Additionally, the team mishandled retaining a potentially strong pairing of Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri, allowing both to leave after 2022.
Despite this instability, Alpine secured a significant €200m (£170m) investment from a group including celebrities and sports figures like Rory McIlroy and Anthony Joshua.
2025 is the last season Alpine will operate as a full works team under the Renault Group, as Renault announced last year it would not produce engines for F1 from 2026 onwards.
Chandhok questioned if the team`s recent moves indicate preparations to capitalize on F1`s popularity by selling the team soon.
He asked: `What is their objective now that they are no longer a works engine supplier? Perhaps it`s brand building for Alpine cars, but that`s not a high-volume market.`
`The business case is unclear. Are they simply trying to increase their valuation? If so, why not sell now?`
`If it`s about valuation, selling makes sense. Many aspects of the current situation still don`t make sense to me. The overall strategy is unclear.`
Slater concluded: `Perhaps positive outcomes will emerge from this turmoil for Alpine. But currently, they need stability and to address this period of uncertainty.`
