Two former Alpine drivers have sharply criticised the Enstone-based team for its abrupt decision to replace Formula 1 rookie Jack Doohan after just six grands prix.
Even Doohan's replacement, Franco Colapinto, expressed unease about the circumstances, saying: "It's never nice circumstances when it happens like this, when you step into another driver's seat.
"But you never really choose the moment you do it in Formula 1. I just take it, try to do my best and try to maximise it for the job."
Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar, debuting for Racing Bulls this year, remarked at Imola that Doohan's tenure at Alpine seemed "fishy" from the start.
"I didn't have a gun to my head before the season started, so that helped me, and I've had good support from day one," the French rookie said.
Esteban Ocon, who left Alpine for Haas over the winter, smiled in the Imola paddock, saying: "I'm happy where I am." On Doohan's swift exit, the 28-year-old added: "Unfortunately, not really any surprise from some of the decisions that have been taken recently by that team.
"I don't have much else to say. Obviously, sad for Jack. He showed some really strong moments this year where he qualified super well and he's also been super quick in the car - which was good to see."
Oscar Piastri, whose own departure from Alpine even before he transitioned from tester to racer led to a contentious dispute with McLaren at F1's contract recognition board, also weighed in. "It's a tough situation," said the championship leader.
"For Jack, he can be proud of what he's achieved. He still became an F1 driver, and no one can take that away from him. It's a difficult situation, but it's not really for me to comment on now."
Piastri noted the challenge for Colapinto, who is only guaranteed the seat for five races. "That's also not an easy circumstance to come back into F1," he said.
Several drivers commented on Alpine's harsh decision-making, now overseen by Flavio Briatore, who has assumed a de-facto team boss role following Oliver Oakes' sudden exit. Dave Greenwood is currently recognised by the FIA as team principal, as Briatore lacks the necessary licence.
When asked if the five-race stint might lead to overdriving, Colapinto, 21, said: "I don't know. We'll see once I drive.
"But of course, after you heard Carlos (Sainz) saying that he needs like ten races to get used to a car, I think five is not enough for me. I've only driven nine in my life in F1. So yeah, it probably takes me a few more races, probably a couple more than five, to get up to speed and maximise everything out of the car. But it is what I have and I just want to maximise it, enjoy it and try to do the best for the team."
Pierre Gasly, Colapinto's teammate, downplayed the turmoil. "There are no problems in the team," the Frenchman insisted. "No one has any disagreements with anyone. The headlines don't reflect what's going on at the factory."
