For years Alpine has struggled to define its identity in Formula One. The former Renault factory team was rebranded as Alpine in 2021 with the promise of renewed ambition and a long-term vision for success. But while other teams such as McLaren and Aston Martin have shown clear strategic direction in their turnarounds, Alpine has been mired in internal chaos, with frequent leadership changes, conflicting strategies and an unstable driver line-up.

This instability was exacerbated when Flavio Briatore, one of the most controversial figures in the modern history of Formula One, returned to the team in a senior advisory role. The Italian, known for his uncompromising, aggressive approach to team management, was behind Renault’s success in the mid-2000s when Fernando Alonso won back-to-back championships. However, his career was also marred by the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal, which saw him banned from F1 for life (later overturned).

 

 

 

Uncompromising Briatore

Now back in the paddock and influential in Alpine’s decision-making, Briatore has made it clear that he has little patience for mediocrity.

Since his return, Alpine has operated with a cutthroat mentality, making rapid changes behind the scenes and showing no hesitation in moving on from drivers or personnel who do not fit the team’s vision. This ruthless approach has led to growing speculation that even rookie drivers are not safe from Alpine’s constant reshuffling. With the 2024 season just around the corner, the team’s latest decision has once again become a major talking point – this time over the future of Jack Doohan.

Red Bull testing mystery explained

 

 

 

Doohan uncertainty

What should have been a season of opportunity for the young Australian is instead shrouded in uncertainty.

While Doohan has been given a full-time seat in the race, murmurs from within the team suggest that his position may not be as secure as it seems. The reason? A high-profile new reserve driver, a potentially short-lived contract and growing rumours that Doohan could be replaced before the halfway point of the season.

As whispers of internal politics, strategic manoeuvring and even alleged WhatsApp group jokes from Alpine mechanics continue to swirl, the question looms large – has Jack Doohan been set up to fail?

 

 

Red Bull employee case against Horner now revived

 

 

 

Allegations of WhatsApp group chat fuels speculation

The start of the Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and yet Alpine is already at the center of intense speculation regarding its driver line-up. Rookie Jack Doohan is set to begin his first full season with the team, but looming in the background is reserve driver Franco Colapinto, a highly-rated talent acquired from Williams for a significant sum.

Now new reports suggest that Doohan may not have long to prove himself in the seat, with whispers of a clause in his contract that could see him sacked after just a handful of races.

Adding to the controversy are alleged WhatsApp group messages exchanged by Alpine mechanics, apparently joking about the Australian’s possible early exit.

The situation has turned Alpine’s driver line-up into one of the hottest talking points in the paddock, raising the question: Is Jack Doohan’s time in F1 running out before the season has even started?

FIA latest rule change following Bahrain testing

 

 

 

Cadillac confirmation for 2026 hits the rocks again

 

 

Does Doohan only have five or six races left to impress?

The pressure on Doohan has been mounting in recent weeks, with speculation rife that there is a clause in his contract allowing Alpine to part company with him after just five or six races if his performance is deemed unsatisfactory. While such clauses are not unheard of in F1, the mere existence of such a provision suggests that Alpine may not be fully committed to the young Australian in the long term.

The timing of these revelations is particularly notable given that Colapinto, who has been touted as a future star, will be present at the season opener in Melbourne.

His presence at the circuit, coupled with the team’s significant financial investment in him, has only fuelled suspicions that Alpine are keeping a close eye on Doohan’s performances with a view to making a move sooner rather than later.

Adding to the intrigue is a report from Motorsport.com, which suggests that some within the paddock believe that Doohan was given his F1 debut at last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi as a way for Alpine to expose his weaknesses early on. If true, it would be a cynical move by the team, suggesting that Doohan was never really seen as a long-term option.

McLaren issue Piastri ultimatum: Improve or leave

 

 

 

WhatsApp controversy: Are the Alpine mechanics already expecting a driver change?

While speculation over a driver’s future is nothing new in Formula 1, the situation at Alpine has taken a bizarre turn with reports emerging about private WhatsApp conversations among the team’s mechanics.

According to Sport Bild, some members of the team’s staff have been making light of Doohan’s situation, with messages suggesting that they do not expect him to remain in the car for long.

If true, these allegations would suggest that doubts about Doohan’s position are not limited to media speculation, but may also exist within the Alpine team itself. Such an atmosphere would hardly be conducive to a rookie settling into his first full season in Formula One, and if the rumours continue to spread it could place even more psychological pressure on the young driver.

At the same time, it raises questions about team unity and whether Alpine is operating in a way that will allow Doohan to succeed. If key members of the team are already anticipating his departure, it suggests a lack of confidence in his abilities – something that could affect his performance on track.

Mercedes ‘fake detail’ spotted in effort to overtake Hamilton

 

 

 

Flavio Briatore’s public support for Colapinto fuels uncertainty

Adding another layer to the story is the role of Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s controversial advisor, who has been vocal in his praise of Franco Colapinto. The 74-year-old, known for his aggressive approach to team management, has repeatedly stated that the young Argentinian is the “best young, fast driver of the future”.

Briatore’s backing of Colapinto is particularly significant given that Alpine spent a reported ten million euros to bring him into their driver development program.

Such a hefty investment for a reserve driver naturally raises the question of whether the team truly sees him as just a backup, or if they are preparing him for promotion sooner rather than later.

For Doohan, Briatore’s comments will do little to quell the growing speculation. A public endorsement of his main rival within the team is hardly a confidence boost, especially at a time when the pressure to deliver results is already immense.

Cadillac F1 confirmation for 2026 hits the rocks again

 

 

Team Principal Oliver Oakes attempts to quell the rumours

As rumours continue to swirl, Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes has attempted to play down the situation, insisting that the focus remains on getting the best results for the team. In a recent statement, Oakes acknowledged the speculation but remained non-committal on the team’s long-term plans.

“At the end of the day it’s about racing. We want the best driver in the car and the best engine in the car,” said Oakes. “And Flavio [Briatore] has said that we will start the season with Jack [Doohan] and Pierre [Gasly] – and then we’ll see.”

His comments, while neutral on the surface, do little to dispel the notion that Doohan’s seat is anything but certain. The phrase “then we’ll see” leaves the door wide open for changes to be made should the team deem it necessary.

Huge F1 row over cheating brewing

 

 

 

The road ahead: Doohan under immense pressure to perform

With all this speculation, Doohan finds himself in an incredibly difficult position. Not only does he have to prove himself against an experienced teammate in Pierre Gasly, but he also has to do so under the constant shadow of Colapinto, who is waiting in the wings for any sign of weakness.

Doohan’s debut in Abu Dhabi, where he finished 15th after starting from 20th, was solid but unspectacular. He will need much more than that to silence his critics and convince Alpine that he is the man for the job.

His first real test will come in Australia, where the eyes of the motorsport world will be on him. If he can put in a strong performance in the early rounds, he may be able to cement his place and dispel the doubts surrounding him. But if he struggles, the rumours will only intensify and his future could quickly become uncertain.

In a sport where contracts mean little if performance doesn’t live up to expectations, Jack Doohan must now fight not only for results on the track, but for his very survival in F1. Whether he will be given the full season to prove himself remains to be seen, but for now the pressure is on.

Hamilton grim hopes as Mercedes revel in their progress

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS – Red Bull employee case against Horner now revived

The start of the Formula One season was a nightmare for Red Bull Racing and Christian Horner. Before a wheel had turned in anger the paddock was consumed with the tale of a female employee taking action against the Red Bull boss for “inappropriate behaviour.”

As expected from the Piranha club, the response was mass hysteria and calls for transparency immediately dominated the F1 headlines, eclipsing even the fact that Lewis Hamilton had announced he would be driving for Ferrari in 2025.

The independent investigation instigated by Red Bull concluded there were no charges for  Christian Horner to answer. Then a co-incidentally timed and mysterious leaked email to around 150 senior members of the F1 paddock, propertied to show the evidence against the Red Bull boss…READ MORE ON THIS STORY