Piastri Backs Doohan After Alpine Exit; Team Changes Emerge

Oscar Piastri on Jack Doohan's Alpine Exit

McLaren's Oscar Piastri has voiced his support for Jack Doohan following Doohan's departure from his Alpine F1 seat.

Why it matters: Piastri's comments highlight the competitive and often challenging nature of Formula 1, where even reaching the pinnacle of motorsport doesn't guarantee a long-term seat.

"If it is the end of the road for Jack, I think he can be very proud—of firstly making it to Formula 1. That’s not an easy thing to do, especially coming from Australia."

The details:

• Piastri acknowledged the difficulties faced by drivers, particularly those from Australia, in making it to F1.
• He praised Doohan's achievement of becoming an F1 driver, emphasizing that it's something no one can take away.

Alpine's shakeup:

• Driver Change: Jack Doohan stepped down from his race seat. Franco Colapinto will replace Doohan for the next five races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
• Team Principal Departure: Oliver Oakes resigned and Flavio Briatore will take over Oakes' responsibilities.

What's next: Colapinto has an opportunity to prove himself in the next five races, while Doohan remains with Alpine as a reserve driver. Alpine will evaluate their driver lineup before the British Grand Prix in July.