Schumacher predicts that this driver's "days are numbered"

Right after the Chinese Grand Prix, the German, who now works for Sky Sport Germany, said that Liam Lawson would be replaced at Red Bull Racing, with Yuki Tsunoda coming in to take the New Zealander's spot. Red Bull announced that just days after the Grand Prix weekend, meaning the Japanese driver will now suit up for the Austrian team at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka next weekend.

Now, after the first replacement of the 2025 season, just two Grands Prix in, Schumacher also thinks another change might be on the way sooner rather than later, saying that Doohan will be replaced at Alpine. The Australian has also had a tricky start to his F1 career, and with the signing of Franco Colapinto as the reserve driver for the French team, who had a super season in 2024, there is a lot of pressure surrounding the Australian.

Schumacher sees a forced relationship between Doohan and Alpine

Colapinto was brought in by Flavio Briatore, the executive advisor for Alpine, with the Italian wanting to recruit the Argentinian after he was let go of Williams, hoping to reignite his F1 career that started very bright at Williams with some fine performances.

Although Doohan was Alpine's reserve driver last season, Schumacher does not see the greatest relationship between driver and team: It's a bit of a forced marriage, and I don't get the feeling Briatore thinks much of him. He doesn't cover himself in much glory and makes a lot of mistakes. I think his days at Alpine are numbered," said the German on Sky Sports Germany's F1 podcast.

Michael Schumacher's brother continued on to say that "if it were up to Flavio," the replacement of Doohan may have already happened, with Colpinto waiting in the wings to pair up with Pierre Gasly in the other Alpine seat for the rest of the 2025 season.

This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen

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