After the summer break, Jack Doohan was announced as the replacement for Esteban Ocon. The 21-year-old reserve driver will have a full-time position at Alpine from next year. However, before he secured the contract, he had to compete against Mick Schumacher. According to recent rumors, the seat was always intended for Doohan, thanks to the influence of advisor and former team boss, Flavio Briatore.
Briatore has been wielding the scepter at Alpine since this year. Granted, the Italian businessman has been given an advisory role by Renault CEO Luca de Meo, but according to experts, the former team boss has a lot of clout within the team. The German publication BILD reports that Briatore was also responsible for signing Jack Doohan, regardless of the relations with Mick Schumacher, who was also in line for a seat with the French team.
Briatore has a good relationship with the Schumacher family, but that didn’t guarantee a spot for Mick, the youngest Schumacher and former Haas driver. Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher were directly competing against each other during a special test day at Circuit Paul Ricard in July. The media referred to it as a real shoot-out.
Mercedes Team Boss Praises Schumacher’s Performance
Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, revealed that Schumacher had performed exceptionally well during his trial. According to F1-insider, the German was indeed faster during a number of long runs, although he had to concede to Jack Doohan over a single fast lap. The latter was given the benefit of the doubt and will make his debut next year alongside Pierre Gasly. Mick must now pin all his hopes on the second seat at Sauber. CEO Mattia Binotto, a long-time acquaintance of the Schumacher family, recently confirmed that they are indeed considering him.
Former Team Boss Takes Advisory Role at Alpine
Former team boss Flavio Briatore has taken on an advisory role at the Alpine team this year.
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