Alpine Severs Ties with Doohan; Cadillac Unveils F1 Livery

Alpine has officially confirmed it has severed all ties with reserve driver Jack Doohan, marking a sudden and decisive end to the Australian's long-standing association with the Enstone-based outfit. The move comes as the team continues to aggressively reshape its operations and driver lineup ahead of the new regulatory era.

Why it matters:

Doohan was viewed as a central part of Alpine's future, having invested heavily in his development as a test and reserve driver. Cutting ties suggests a significant strategic pivot by team management, potentially clearing the deck for new talent or signaling a broader dissatisfaction with the current trajectory. It sends a stark reminder of the ruthless nature of F1 politics, where long-term commitments can be discarded overnight in favor of immediate results.

The Details:

• Cadillac's Debut: The incoming Cadillac F1 team has pulled the covers off a special-edition livery set to run during the first pre-season test in Barcelona later this month. The reveal offers the first concrete glimpse of the American brand's visual identity on track, generating significant buzz as they prepare for their official entry.
• Verstappen's Stance: Max Verstappen did not hold back when discussing McLaren's controversial team orders, stating he would never "sell your soul" to comply with such instructions. His comments reinforce his reputation as a driver who prioritizes individual performance over corporate strategy, highlighting the philosophical divide at the top of the grid.
• Ford's Reality Check: Ford global director Mark Rushbrook has moved to temper expectations regarding Red Bull's new car for the 2026 season. Despite the high-profile partnership, Rushbrook insists it is too early to predict dominance, urging patience as the team navigates the complex new regulations.

In Other News:

• Former F1 driver Antonio Pizzonia was arrested in the USA last weekend for an alleged assault.
• Ex-driver Derek Daly suggested Lewis Hamilton should retire, calling his current struggles at Ferrari "sad to see."

What's next:

With the Barcelona test approaching, the paddock's focus shifts to on-track performance. All eyes will be on Cadillac to see if their livery matches their pace, while teams like Alpine will face scrutiny over their revised driver structures following the Doohan announcement.