“I still can’t believe that Jack Doohan is signed”: Michael Schumacher’s brother shares unfiltered opinions on Alpine replacing Esteban Ocon

Michael Schumacher's brother and F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher expressed disbelief at Alpine's recent signing of Jack Doohan. He claimed that the team's advisor, Flavio Briatore, had other plans in mind to replace Esteban Ocon but had to settle with the Australian driver.

Alpine finished P6 in the constructors' championship in 2024 and made an abrupt change to its driver lineup for the upcoming season. In August this year, the team announced that reserve driver Jack Doohan would replace Esteban Ocon in 2025, a move that many pundits didn't see coming, including Ralf Schumacher.

In a chat with Sky Germany, the pundit revealed that he is still in disbelief at Alpine's signing of Doohan. He further claimed that if Briatore had had more time, he would have signed someone else as Ocon's replacement (via Planet F1).

“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. I still can’t believe that Jack Doohan is signed, even though the contract is done. I think Flavio Briatore had other things in mind," Ralf said.

The Enstone-based team saw a management overhaul this year. Oliver Oakes replaced Bruno Famin as team principal, while Briatore returned as executive advisor for the Formula 1 division for Renault and will report to CEO Luca de Meo.

Schumacher's comments come after Argentinan driver Franco Colapinto was linked to many F1 teams, including Alpine and Red Bull. He drove for Williams in 2024, replacing Logan Sargeant, and left a positive impact.

However, with Doohan being a part of Alpine's junior program since 2022, the team placed faith in him for the upcoming season. The Australian youngster had a test run in Zandoovart and participated in practice sessions in Canada and the British Grand Prix.

Moreover, for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale, Doohan replaced Ocon to mark his formal F1 debut. However, Alpine's decision to deny the Frenchman a farewell race triggered a wave of criticism from fans and analysts.

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Esteban Ocon bid an emotional goodbye after Jack Doohan's promotion

Jack Doohan with Alpine team (Image Source: Getty)

French driver Esteban Ocon took to social media to pen an emotional farewell message for Alpine. After being replaced by Jack Doohan ahead of the race in Abu Dhabi, Ocon stated that he wanted things to end differently.

"This is not how I wanted things to end. That said, the world of F1 is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon. I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," Ocon wrote.

Ocon was already set to part ways with Alpine at the end of the season after the team announced Doohan as his replacement. He has since signed a deal with the Haas F1 team to partner with Oliver Bearman for the upcoming season.

While the 28-year-old would have wished for a better ending, the Enstone-based team decided to give Doohan an opportunity to get a taste of Formula 1 at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.