Alpine chief Briatore opens up on decision to drop Doohan for Colapinto as he clarifies ‘five races’ stance

Alpine's Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore, has explained the decision to replace Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix.

Doohan, who was set for a full-time drive in 2025, was swapped out for Colapinto six races into the 2024 season.

Speaking to F1 TV, Briatore stated: "I believe at one point with Jack it was very difficult, and it was difficult for Jack as well. I believe at one point Jack [needed] a break from thinking about it.

"We had a possibility to have Franco in the team and we tried to swap, to see if it's better for the team, if it's better from Franco. The team has to find the best way possible to be competitive."

While a press release stated Colapinto would be in the car for the "next five races", Briatore clarified: "No, Franco is in the car. The team decide if it's race-by-race or the whole season."

He added that the decision depends solely on "The performance... We need two cars [together] because it's very tight [with] every team. We need two cars all the time. Let's see."

Briatore also commented on Oliver Oakes' resignation as team boss, stating it was a personal decision and had no issues with him. He stressed the team is solid.

Colapinto crashed in Qualifying at Imola and received a grid penalty.