The 2025 Imola GP arrives at a turbulent moment for Pierre Gasly and the BWT Alpine F1 Team. The decision to replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto after only six rounds has generated widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Criticism intensified after Alpine revealed that Colapinto had been confirmed to drive for only five rounds, fuelling speculation about the team’s long-term direction. On Thursday of Media Day at Imola, Pierre Gasly addressed the situation surrounding Alpine’s second seat in 2025.
Speaking in his print media session, he expressed his support for both drivers, affirming that he maintained positive relationships with each.
“Well, I know them both. Obviously, I get on very well with Jack and Franco.”
Praise for Doohan’s effort and character
Gasly emphasised the challenges Doohan faced as a rookie and praised the Australian’s underlying pace and work ethic. As the more experienced teammate, Gasly explained at the F1 Imola GP that he had made every effort to support Doohan, though ultimately those efforts fell short amid Alpine’s wider struggles.
“And yeah, I mean, for all the months we worked with Jack, I’ve tried to support him as much as possible. He’s a great guy. I really like him and he’s got great speed. It wasn’t the easiest way into Formula One. And that’s why I try with my experience and past experiences, try to bring as much as I could, because obviously I wanted him and needed him to do well. So yeah, I did that.”
Optimism surrounding Colapinto’s return
Although the circumstances of Colapinto’s arrival are fraught, Gasly offered a strong endorsement of the Argentine driver’s abilities. He pointed to Colapinto’s competitiveness with Williams and expressed optimism about forming a solid working relationship.
“Franco is also a very good driver. That’s the reason why we got him in the team in the first place. And yeah, it will be interesting to see what he does. He was very competitive with Williams. And yeah, we work well with Jack. I’m sure we’re going to work well with Franco.”
Doohan still involved with Alpine
Gasly noted that Doohan remained a part of Alpine’s setup and reiterated his desire to see the young driver remain mentally strong during this challenging period.
“And yeah, I just see Jack is still part of the team, still working for us. And I would love [for him] to stay strong.”
Gasly diplomatic on fairness and team decisions ahead of F1 Imola GP
When asked directly whether Doohan had been given a fair opportunity, Gasly avoided a definitive judgement. Instead, he reaffirmed Doohan’s capabilities and made clear that the decision to drop him rested solely with Alpine’s management.
“I got on very well with Jack, very nice guy, quick driver. Obviously, [being a] rookie in Formula 1, which is tough, especially on a very strong field. This year with a lot of quick guys, it hasn’t been the easiest way into Formula 1. On my side, as a teammate and also a friend, I tried to support as much as I could on and off the track. I don’t really have much more to say, the decision is from the team.”
Gasly added that Alpine’s motivation to trial Colapinto stemmed from a desire to evaluate the driver, especially considering the cost and effort to bring him from Williams.
“We have a lot of drivers as a team and feel the need to assess the performance of Franco, who’s done very well last year. That’s obviously the reason why he was brought in, to have this possibility.
“I think on my side, I like Jack, I like Franco. I think we worked well with Jack and that’s pretty much it.”
Advice from experience
Gasly, having once endured a mid-season demotion from Red Bull, offered advice to Doohan on coping with adversity and external scrutiny in his F1 Imola GP print media session. He emphasised the importance of mental resilience and staying focused on opportunities within the team environment.
“Focus your mind on the things that matter. There’ll be a lot of noise. There’ll be a lot of negative energy surrounding him. But as a driver and as an athlete, you’ve just got to put that aside and just focus on your business. I have the chance to be at the wheel every other weekend and to show my speed. On his side, the work will be at the simulator. Whenever, he’ll have a chance to be behind the wheel. Mentally, it’s not easy. But you’ve just got to keep strong.”
Resignation of Oliver Oakes adds further instability
The driver controversy was not the only significant shake-up at Alpine. Just one day before announcing the driver switch, Team Principal Oliver Oakes resigned with immediate effect. This development came shortly after the arrest of his brother, William Oakes—director of Hitech GP—on charges relating to the possession of criminal property.
In Oakes’ place, Flavio Briatore has assumed de facto leadership of the team. Briatore, whose controversial history includes the infamous “Crashgate” scandal of 2008, returned to F1 in May 2024. Gasly, reflecting on Oakes’ departure, expressed disappointment and praised the clarity and culture Oakes had brought to Alpine.
“I mean, obviously it’s sad to see Oli leave. It was his personal decision and I got on very well. I think we worked extremely well and closely since he joined last summer. We had a very strong end of the year. And yeah, things were very straightforward with him, very transparent. And I like the sort of mindset he brought to the team. So yeah, sad to see him leave. We’ve got to respect his decision and accept it.”
Briatore’s involvement and team continuity
Although Briatore will now assume greater responsibility, Gasly insisted that Alpine’s ambitions and direction would not change as the F1 Imola GP approaches. He reiterated this message during multiple media sessions.
“And you know, Flavio is going to take more duties into the team. It doesn’t change the direction or the ambition. Everything remains business as usual. And yeah, just move on with it.
“I get on very well with Oli. I think we worked really well from the moment he arrived in the team last year. Getting through that second part of the year and trying to have a positive impact on the team. Working closely with Flavio as well. Things worked very well all together. I think it’s obviously sad to see him leave the team, for the reasons I’ve just mentioned. On the other side, it’s a personal reason from Oli himself. We’ve just got to accept it and respect it.”
Thoughts on team stability
When asked about the broader implications of such instability, Gasly responded philosophically. He maintained that Alpine’s structure remained intact and that the team continued to function effectively.
“The way I see it is like many other situations in life. Can you do something about it? Yes. There’s nothing to worry about. Can you do something about it? No. There’s nothing to worry about. You’ve just got to get on with your business.”
He further emphasised the consistency he felt from working with his engineers and the broader team at the factory.
“So, yes, some stability. I do feel some stability in some sort. I work in the office with my engineers. Working back at the factory in the simulator. Working with the people back at the factory.
“It’s not all down to one person that will unsettle the whole foundation we have. Obviously, it was quite nice over the winter getting to know Oli. Trying to prepare for the future and knowing the environment that we work with. Unfortunately, this has changed.
“On my side, I just need to get on with it and keep delivering the best I can when I’m in the car.”
Reaffirming internal progress
Despite Alpine’s position of ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with only seven points, Gasly rejected the narrative that the team was in crisis. Instead, he pointed to the substantial progress being made behind the scenes.
“The headlines are not really showing any of the good work that we’re seeing or that I’m seeing at the factory, or even within the racing team. I think for me, it’s important to keep the guys focusing on the actual work we’re doing behind closed doors, because that’s really good. Obviously, the noise outside is always going to be there because when you have changes like that, it’s always going to be talked about.
“But from what I’m seeing at the factory and the people working together, the staff, the new people coming in, there’s a lot of potential. Flavio has brought a lot with him. As you say, I think the directions are very clear.”
Looking ahead with positivity
Gasly expressed hope that Alpine would soon begin to see the benefits of its restructuring. He stressed the need to leave the controversy behind and focus on the immediate task of competing effectively.
“We’ll see some rewards and dividends over the next few weeks and months. I’m very hopeful for next season. But I think it’s just important that we just move on from this special week, let’s say, and just focus on business as usual.”
He also provided insight into his personal approach to coping with recent events, stating that he had taken time away in Scotland to regroup mentally ahead of the Imola race weekend.
“I went four days to Scotland where I had four days of blue sky and played golf. It was my own way of getting away, recharging my batteries and sticking to my business. Making sure that I come to Imola with a happy and clear mind and ready to fight.”
Confidence for upcoming races
Despite the close performance gaps throughout the midfield, Gasly remains confident that Alpine can fight for points over the upcoming triple header. He identified the nature of the next three circuits—Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona—as potential opportunities to return to form.
“I think we had a good momentum in Bahrain and Jeddah. Miami was clearly very tough in terms of performance. I think we understood some of it. Also, the fact that it was a sprint weekend, it didn’t start well for us. It didn’t give us much time to analyse and bounce back from where we started.
“I’m confident that for the next three races, Imola is a particular track. Monaco as well, but it usually suited our car a bit better. Barcelona has been good as well from the past. I’m confident we’ll be back in the mix.
“Now the mix is from P8 to P20, you’re probably looking at three- [or] four-tenths. It just shows the importance of really nailing everything down to getting absolutely everything out of our package, which will be the target. I’m confident we’ll be able to fight for the points at some point during these three weeks.”
In the midst of an eventful week at the 2025 Imola Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly provided a calm and measured perspective on the upheaval within Alpine. From the driver change to the leadership reshuffle, he sought to reaffirm confidence in the team’s work ethic and long-term vision. While external scrutiny has intensified, Gasly’s remarks underscored his commitment to consistency, personal growth, and belief in Alpine’s potential resurgence. With three critical races ahead, all eyes will now turn to whether Alpine can translate internal progress into on-track results.
