Oliver Oakes praised how Jack Doohan handled the media who questioned the Australian regarding his position after the hiring of Franco Colapinto.
The hiring of Colapinto in reserve capacity by Alpine has certainly raised question mark over the future of Doohan in the F1 team. The Australian has come under pressure already, having to answer to media about his long-term position in the team going forward.
There is already a notion that if Doohan isn’t performing to the expectant level in the first few rounds, Alpine will swap him with Colapinto in F1 2025 itself. So far, the Australian has handled the media well when asked about the same, which has received praise from team boss Oakes.
“He’s alright,” said Oakes to media. “I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all. I actually feel for him, because I get that everybody wants the clickbait, and that’s a discussion topic. But I think he should be given a bit of space to just get on with it for a few rounds.
“And then at the end of the day, like any driver, you’ve got to deliver. I think he’s done a really good job of just blocking out the noise and getting on with it. I think externally everyone sees that, but I see it a bit differently. No matter what driver you are, in any category there’s pressure.
“It doesn’t matter whether that’s in F1 or even in the junior categories. And I think, of course, because Franco did a good job last year, he’s got a big fan base, obviously a lot of them here as well, it’s natural that people want to talk about that.
“But from the other side, I think as a team, we’re quite lucky to have three reserves who are very good, and that puts us in a good position. And I think in terms of whether it’s nice or kind to Jack, I think I was pretty open that, he’s driving a Formula One car – that’s every boy’s dream, but it’s also his job.
“And for me, that’s pretty simple,” summed up Oakes, who kept himself away from what Flavio Briatore noted about the situation. The Italian has been the key instigator to get Colapinto on board. Should anything happen, it will likely be the Italian taking the bold call as well.
“It’s not my line,” continued Oakes. “I think we’ve been really honest as a team as to what we’re doing. I’m pretty chilled on it. I think it would be nice, I keep saying it, but just let Jack just get on with it, and also let the team get on with it to be honest. I get everybody has an opinion.
“Everyone can be a keyboard warrior as well. It’s very simple, though, isn’t it? We’re here to go racing the best driver in the car, the best engine in the car. And from my side, I was pretty open that Jack, as Flavio said it, we’re starting the season with Jack and Pierre, and then let’s see how it all goes.”
Here’s Jack Doohan on Franco Colpainto scene
Here’s Alpine partnering with Eni as fuel supplier
Here’s Oliver Oakes responding keyboard warriors
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