As the latest Formula 1 season unfolds, Alpine’s team leader, Oliver Oakes, has stood firm, asserting the team’s candidness in the face of the ongoing speculation concerning rookie driver Jack Doohan’s future with the team. Doohan, who first appeared on the F1 scene in the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, is now stepping into his maiden campaign, replacing the recently exited Esteban Ocon.
However, the recent addition of Franco Colapinto to the Alpine reserve driver roster has further fueled rumors questioning Doohan’s position within the team. Some go as far as suggesting Colapinto could assume Doohan’s seat as early as this season.
The speculation has been amplified by unverified reports suggesting that an exit clause in Doohan’s contract could be activated if he fails to achieve certain performance benchmarks within the first five races of the season. In response to inquiries on this speculation, Oakes told Motorsport Week and other media outlets, “It’s not my line. I think we’ve been really honest as a team as to what we’re doing.”
Oakes further emphasized the need for focus on both Doohan’s part and the team’s. He dismissed the rumors while also refraining from completely ruling out a mid-season driver change. “We want the best driver in the car, the best engine in the car,” Oakes stated, reiterating that the team is starting the season with Doohan and Pierre Gasly.
Oakes also addressed the notion that Colapinto’s arrival was a tactic to increase pressure on Doohan. He pointed out that the nature of the sport inherently brings its pressure, whether it’s in F1 or junior categories. He highlighted the team’s fortunate position of having three reserve drivers of high caliber.
As for Doohan’s specific expectations, Oakes remained tight-lipped, suggesting that much would depend on the drivability of Alpine’s car. “I don’t know. You’ll want a lot of words from me, but you’re not going to put anything like that out there,” he responded when asked about the reasonable performance gap between his two drivers.
Despite the swirling rumors, Oakes maintained that the team’s strategy and approach concerning their drivers have always been transparent. While the narrative of the season is still being written, Doohan’s performance in the upcoming races will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and critics alike.