Oakes Backs Doohan’s Grit For Aussies Home Debut

Australian Jack Doohan has earned a nod from Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes for his sharp response to pre-season chatter about his Formula 1 future.

The 22-year-old debuted for the Renault-owned squad in Abu Dhabi last December and now gears up for his first full season start at Melbourne on March 16.

Speculation swirls around his seat, with Franco Colapinto lurking after joining on a multi-year deal from Williams, but Oakes praised Doohan’s resolve after Bahrain testing. “I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all,” Oakes told reporters. “I actually feel for him, because I get that everybody wants the clickbait and that’s a discussion topic. But I think also he should be given a bit of space to just get on with it for a few rounds. I think he’s done a really good job of just blocking out the noise and getting on with it.”

Pressure’s nothing new, Oakes noted. “I get everybody has an opinion, everyone can be a keyboard warrior as well but it’s very simple though, isn’t it? We’re here to go racing, we want the best driver in the car, the best engine in the car,” he said.

He left the door ajar on Doohan’s run. “[Executive advisor] Flavio [Briatore] said it didn’t he — we’re starting the season with Jack and Pierre (Gasly) and then let’s see how it all goes. I think we’ve been really honest as a team as to what we’re doing. I’m pretty chilled with it… Jack just get on with it and also let the team get on with it.”

Testing showed promise—Alpine’s eyeing a midfield lead. “I think our target is to continue where we ended up at the end of last year…we kind of want to be clipping at the heels of those (front) teams,” Oakes said. “Both drivers have been pretty happy with the car.”