Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has insisted the team has been “honest” regarding its driver line-up in Formula 1 amid the persistent rumours surrounding Jack Doohan’s drive.
Doohan, who made his F1 debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, is embarking on his rookie campaign having been picked to replace the now-departed Esteban Ocon.
But Alpine signing Franco Colapinto to the team’s reserve driver pool has heightened speculation that he is being lined up to take Doohan’s spot, even as soon as this season.
That has been even extended to reports circulating that an exit clause in his contract could become active should he not hit certain targets within the opening five rounds.
When asked whether he could shut down that claim, Oakes told media including Motorsport Week: “It’s not my line. I think we’ve been really honest as a team as to what we’re doing.
“I’m pretty chilled on it, and 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.
But while he reiterated that Doohan will begin the season with Pierre Gasly, Oakes didn’t rule out that a mid-season change to place Colapinto in the A525 could transpire.
“I get everybody has an opinion,” he continued. “Everyone can be a keyboard warrior as well.
“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.
“From my side, I was pretty open that Jack’s – well, Flavio [Briatore] said it, didn’t he – that we’re starting the season with Jack and Pierre, and then let’s see how it all goes.”
Doohan would have had pressure regardless
Oakes denied that Colapinto’s arrival has been done to increase pressure on Doohan, citing that the emphasis on him to deliver in 2025 would have been present regardless.
“I think externally everyone sees that, but I see it a bit differently,” he retorted.
“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.
“Of course, I think 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.
“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 1 car, that’s every boy’s dream, but it’s also his job, and for me, that’s pretty simple.”
Alpine not releasing Doohan expectation
Meanwhile, Oakes wouldn’t be drawn on whether it has laid out expectations to Doohan, highlighting how that will depend on how driveable Alpine’s car proves to be.
Asked what would represent a reasonable gap between his two drivers, he replied: “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.
“I think it’s pretty easy to see this year, at the end of the day there’s a lot of rookies on the grid, so you can see how they’re all performing.
“It’s not necessarily the same for one as it is for another, we know some cars are easier to drive, some are trickier to drive. I think hopefully it won’t even be a discussion anyway.”
READ MORE – Jack Doohan hits back at rumours Franco Colapinto could replace him at Alpine
