Melbourne GP: Oakes lauds Doohan ahead of F1 home debut

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Australian Jack Doohan has received commendation from Alpine Formula One team boss Oliver Oakes for his impressive pre-season performance amidst ongoing speculation about his future in Formula One.

The 22-year-old made his debut for the Renault-owned team in Abu Dhabi last December and is set to commence his first full season on home soil in Melbourne on March 16. Despite his debut, there remains uncertainty regarding his tenure with the team, particularly with Argentine driver Franco Colapinto joining from Williams on a multi-year deal.

Addressing the media after three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Oakes praised Doohan's response to questions about feeling undermined.

"I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all," Oakes said, notably declining to clarify the number of races Doohan might participate in. "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."

Oakes highlighted the persistent pressure faced by drivers at every level of the sport.

"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 added.

He reiterated the team's strategy, referencing comments by executive advisor Flavio Briatore: "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."

Doohan, son of motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan, managed to avoid trouble during testing. Alpine appears poised to be competitive, aiming to be the best of the rest behind the top four teams after finishing sixth last season.

"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."

As the Melbourne Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Doohan to see how he performs in front of his home crowd.

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