Flavio Briatore hints Alpine could axe Pierre Gasly or Jack Doohan if one driver is available for 2026

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Flavio Briatore has overseen extensive change at Alpine since Renault CEO Luca de Meo brought him in earlier this year. The upheaval had already begun before his arrival, but he has made a series of bold decisions.

Perhaps most notably, Alpine have relinquished their works team status by shutting down their F1 engine operation ahead of the 2026 season. They’re set to become a Mercedes customer instead.

Bruno Famin, who was team principal when Briatore arrived, will now take on a different role in the company. He’s been replaced by Oliver Oakes, who handles the day-to-day running of the team.

Alpine will also field a new driver line-up after mutually deciding to part ways with Esteban Ocon. Ocon has largely performed well during his five years at Enstone but has also been involved in multiple clashes with his teammate.

He’s signed for Haas for 2025, with Pierre Gasly penning a multi-year extension to stay put. The team have then promoted reserve driver Jack Doohan to fill the second seat.

Doohan has only signed a one-year deal, so he must prove himself in his rookie year. He’s impressed the team with his commitment to his reserve duties this season.

Flavio Briatore says Alpine door remains open for Carlos Sainz

Briatore’s top target had been Carlos Sainz, who lost his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton. Alpine were involved in a three-team battle with Williams and Sauber/Audi.

It briefly looked like Alpine were set to sign Sainz, but Williams eventually prevailed. The Spaniard may have been put off by the instability at his former team.

But Briatore says they’re ready to sign the three-time race-winner for 2026 if he becomes available. That’s especially worrying for Doohan given the length of his deal.

But if the 21-year-old impresses, then he could leave Briatore and co. with a dilemma. Gasly is a proven performer but Doohan could have a higher ceiling.

“We are very happy with Gasly,” Briatore said, as quoted by Motorsport-Magazin. “And now we have a young driver [in Doohan]. If Carlos wants to in 2026, we’ll be there.”

When Carlos Sainz can leave Williams thanks to exit clause in his contract

Alpine may have to buy Sainz out of his Williams contract, which could be hugely expensive. Still, Briatore may view it as a worthwhile expense given his credentials.

According to James Vowles, Sainz can leave Williams after two years through an exit clause in his contract. He’ll assess the competitive landscape in the first year of the new regulations and then decide whether to see the project through.

Alex Albon believes Williams can win in 2027, and if they stay on course to meet that target, then there would be little reason for Sainz to leave. But should they drift, he’ll be angling for a return to the front of the grid.

Fernando Alonso could retire at the end of 2026, potentially giving Sainz the chance to drive an Adrian Newey-designed car. A return to Ferrari is also possible, though it will depend on whether Hamilton triggers the optional third year in his deal.