‘No Trouble Within the Team,’ Says Pierre Gasly Amid Alpine Shakeup

Pierre Gasly addresses recent changes at Alpine, including Oliver Oakes' departure and Flavio Briatore's return.

Pierre Gasly insists that everything is fine within the Alpine F1 team despite recent changes. The team has seen some upheaval with Oliver Oakes stepping down as team principal for personal reasons and Flavio Briatore taking over after the Miami Grand Prix. Gasly dismisses reports of chaos, saying it's business as usual.

Gasly's confidence in the team comes after a new driver lineup was announced, with Franco Colapinto joining him for the next five races. This move led to Jack Doohan's departure to a simulator role. Despite these changes, Gasly believes the team remains on track.

The French driver expressed gratitude towards Oakes for his contributions and voiced support for Briatore's leadership. Gasly is optimistic about the team's future, focusing on the work being done behind the scenes rather than external noise. With Briatore back at the helm, Gasly expects positive results in the coming weeks and months.

Flavio Briatore, 75, has taken over as Alpine's team principal, marking the team's sixth leadership change in five seasons. This shakeup comes as French driver Pierre Gasly navigates his fourth team principal since joining Alpine in 2023.

Following Oliver Oakes' sudden departure, Alpine announced that Australian rookie Jack Doohan would be replaced by Argentine reserve driver Franco Colapinto for at least five races, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Colapinto, who previously drove for Williams, will partner with Gasly. Briatore has warned that Doohan's position was precarious, stating that he wouldn't hesitate to make changes if a driver isn't delivering results.

“I went to the factory on Tuesday (last week), Wednesday I was working in the simulator, I was with Flavio when all the announcements were made,” Gasly told reporters at Imola on Thursday. “It's big news but the business and what we've got to do as individuals doesn't change.

“There is no trouble within the team, there is no disagreement between anyone in the team, the vision and the directions always remain the same as they were before Miami and after Miami.

Siamo qui a Imola con @PierreGASLY 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/j5dp6ao4G3

— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 15, 2025

“Obviously Oli is not there and there has been the change between the drivers... but in terms of directions and pure work, this hasn't changed.”

Pierre Gasly, Alpine's top points scorer this season with 7 points, took a 4-day break playing golf in Scotland to recharge before the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. “The headlines are not showing any of the good work that we're seeing, or that I'm seeing, at the factory or even within the racing team,” Gasly said, downplaying reports of chaos within the team.

Alpine currently sits 9th out of 10 teams after 6 Grands Prix and 2 sprint races. Despite the team's struggles, Gasly remains optimistic, focusing on the progress being made behind the scenes.

“I think for me it's important to keep the guys focusing on the actual work we are doing behind closed doors, because that's really good.

“Flavio has brought a lot with him and... I think the directions are very clear and we'll see some rewards and dividends over the next few weeks and months and I'm very hopeful for next season.

“But I think it's just important that we move on from this special week and focus on business as usual.”