Alpine F1 boss Oliver Oakes insists the team remains transparent in its driver choices, urging patience as Jack Doohan proves his worth.
Alpine F1 has always been “honest” in its approach to driver selection and evaluating its options, according to Oliver Oakes, the team principal, regarding the recruitment of Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver and potential replacement for Jack Doohan.
“I think we’ve been very honest about what we’re doing. I’m quite calm about it, and I think it would be good—I keep saying this—to let Jack manage on his own, and also to let the team manage on its own, to be honest,” Oakes stated.
Doohan was blunt with the media during the F1 75, and Oakes welcomes the Australian’s mental toughness: “He’s doing well. I think I was quite proud to see him being sharp with all of you. Honestly, I feel for him because I understand that everyone wants ‘clickbait’ and that it’s a talking point.”
“But I think he should be given a bit of space to handle things over a few rounds. In the end, like all drivers, he has to deliver, but I think he’s doing a great job blocking out the noise and staying focused on what he needs to do.”
The Briton confirms that Doohan is only guaranteed the start of the season before his performance is assessed as the season progresses: “I understand that everyone has an opinion. Anyone can also be a keyboard warrior. But it’s very simple, isn’t it?”
“We’re here to race. We want the best driver in the car, the best engine in the car. On my side, I was quite open to the idea that Jack—well, Flavio [Briatore] said it, didn’t he—that we’re starting the season with Jack and Pierre, and then we’ll see how things unfold.”
Oakes insists that Colapinto’s arrival is not a tactic to put pressure on Doohan: “I think from the outside, everyone sees it that way, but I see things a little differently. No matter the driver, in any category, there is pressure. Whether it’s in F1 or even in junior categories, it doesn’t change.”
“Of course, I think because Franco did a good job last year, he has a big fan base, and obviously, many of them are here as well, it’s natural that people want to talk about it. But on the other hand, I think we’re lucky to have three reserve drivers who are very good, and that puts us in a strong position.”
“As for whether it’s fair to Jack or not, I think I’ve been quite clear that he’s driving a Formula 1 car—it’s every boy’s dream, but it’s also his job, and for me, it’s quite simple.”
Asked about what would be a reasonable gap between Gasly and Doohan, Oakes avoided the question, believing it’s difficult to define: “I don’t know. You’ll want a lot of words from me, but I have nothing to say on that.”
“I think it’s quite easy to see this year—there are a lot of rookies on the grid, so you can compare how they are all performing. It’s not necessarily the same for everyone; we know some cars are easier to drive, others more challenging. Hopefully, it won’t even be a topic of discussion.”
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Oakes: Alpine F1 Stays ‘Honest’ in Pursuit of Top Talent Oakes: Alpine F1 Stays ‘Honest’ in Pursuit of Top Talent
