Schumacher: Briatore had ‘other things in mind’ than Doohan
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has heavily criticized Alpine’s decision to promote Jack Doohan to a full-time race seat for the 2025 season.
Schumacher questioned both the process and the motivations behind the Australian’s appointment. The German suggested that Alpine’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, may have had different intentions for the seat, but lacked time to impose a decision.
Doohan, who finished runner-up in the 2023 FIA F2 Championshp, has been part of Alpine’s academy since 2022 and steps into his new role after a year on the sidelines as the French outfit’s official reserve driver.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher expressed disbelief over Doohan’s promotion, suggesting that Briatore, who joined Alpine’s leadership after the decision-making process was already underway, might have had other drivers in mind.
“I still can’t believe that Jack Doohan is signed, even though the contract is done,” Schumacher said. “I think Flavio Briatore had other things in mind.”
Schumacher implied that Briatore’s late arrival in his new role limited his ability to influence the decision and speculated that other young drivers, such as Williams rookie Franco Colapinto might have been stronger contenders.
“In Formula 1, you don’t have a lot of time,” Schumacher added. “There are enough young drivers who are waiting. I am curious in any case, and there will be more things to come, also at Alpine.”
Contrived Selection Process?
Schumacher also criticized Alpine’s handling of the driver evaluation process, which included a test session, or “shoot-out,” between Doohan and Schumacher’s nephew Mick Schumacher, who had transitioned to Alpine’s World Endurance Championship program after losing his F1 seat with Haas in 2022.
“He [Mick] drove in the afternoon and Jack Doohan in the morning. I’ve been there myself,” Schumacher said.
“If you drove at 09:00, you were two and a half seconds faster because it was 38 degrees in the afternoon and there was wind.
“If you approach a test like that, you have to doubt that they took it seriously. I think it’s a shame because it’s just not fair and because nobody else gets the chance.”
Displeasure Over Communication
Schumacher was further aggrieved by the way his nephew learned of Alpine’s decision to promote Doohan. According to the ex-F1 driver, Mick discovered the news through social media rather than directly from the team.
“That’s absolutely not the way!” the German exclaimed. “You can just say that the team has completely lost its way at the moment anyway. People are being thrown out, thrown back in and so on. Flavio [Briatore] is kind of floating above it.”
A Tumultuous Year at Alpine
Doohan’s promotion comes during a turbulent period for Alpine, with significant management changes, including the arrival last summer of Oli Oakes as team principal and Briatore’s return to a position of influence.
While Alpine hopes Doohan will inject fresh talent into the team alongside Pierre Gasly, critics like Schumacher remain unconvinced about the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process.
As Alpine moves forward with its new lineup, the lingering questions and criticisms from Schumacher and others highlight the challenges the team faces in maintaining credibility during a time of upheaval.
Adding intrigue to the situation, Briatore hinted recently that Doohan’s seat may not be guaranteed for the entirety of the 2025 season.
“We will start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee you that. After that, we’ll see during the season,” said the Italian.
Briatore’s comments underline the pressure on Doohan to perform, as the Australian’s long-term place in the team could be at stake if results fail to meet expectations.
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