Piastri Supports Doohan Amid Alpine F1 Changes
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri praised Jack Doohan during a recent interview, emphasizing that the Australian should be proud of his achievements in Formula 1. Piastri’s comments came ahead of Alpine’s confirmation that Doohan would be replaced in the team after the Miami Grand Prix.
“If it is the end of the road for Jack, I think he can be very proud. Becoming an F1 driver is not easy, especially from Australia,” Piastri stated. He expressed confidence in Doohan’s future, saying, “No one can take that away from him. I’m sure he’ll have a successful career ahead.”
Following the Miami Grand Prix, Alpine announced significant changes to its driver lineup. Doohan’s exit alongside Pierre Gasly was confirmed on May 7. He will revert to his role as reserve driver while Williams Academy’s Franco Colapinto takes over for at least the next five races. The team noted:
“As part of an ongoing assessment of its driver line-up, the team has decided to rotate one of its race seats.”
Colapinto’s performance will be reviewed ahead of the British Grand Prix scheduled for July.
Doohan responded to his reassignment, stating, “I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula 1 driver. This is a tough chapter, but I appreciate the team’s trust and will continue to work hard.”
In addition to driver changes, team principal Oliver Oakes resigned from his role on May 6, with Flavio Briatore stepping in as interim team leader.
These transitions signify a critical period for Alpine as it recalibrates its strategies for the remainder of the season.
