Briatore Warns Drivers of Mid-Season Replacements

Flavio Briatore, the Alpine executive advisor, has issued a cautionary message to Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan regarding the potential for mid-season changes if their performance does not meet expectations in the 2025 season. As both drivers prepare for the Australian Grand Prix, Briatore subtly suggested that the promising Franco Colapinto, who currently lacks a seat, could be a candidate for replacement. He emphasized the critical nature of achieving results and made it clear that underwhelming performance would not be tolerated.

Briatore also addressed Esteban Ocon's recent decline in focus, criticizing his lack of motivation during the concluding weeks of the 2024 season as he transitioned to Haas. While acknowledging Ocon's earlier accomplishments, including a double-podium finish in Brazil, Briatore noted that Ocon's performance had faltered, culminating in a last-place qualifying result in Qatar. With a strategic pivot toward younger, more driven drivers, Briatore aims to bolster Alpine's competitiveness amidst broader organizational changes under new Team Principal Oliver Oakes.