Alpine confident Doohan can rise to rookie benchmarks on F1 debut
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes believes that Jack Doohan is well-prepared for his F1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend, despite the high bar set by other young debutants this season.
Doohan, the son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, will replace Esteban Ocon for the season finale as the Haas-bound driver has been released early from his duties with Alpine to be able to join his new team at next week’s post-season test at Yas Marina.
Oakes acknowledged the impressive performances of other rookie drivers this year, particularly Ollie Bearman, who made a stunning debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with Ferrari.
However, Oakes is confident that Doohan will hold his own against his fellow young guns and is 'professional enough' to handle the pressures of entering motorsport’s elite.
"I think anyone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that, it's never easy to judge, is it?" Oakes said, quoted by Motorsport.com.
"I think the problem is you've got the benchmark that Bearman set [at Jeddah], which was phenomenal. And I mean this in a nice way, as he's hugely talented, but you had Kimi [Antonelli] with the sort of pressure in Monza.
"I think at the end of the day, Jack's just got to take it as he finds it. I think he's professional enough to handle it. I think as well, once you ease into the weekend, FP1, FP2, you can build up to it as well.”
Doohan’s familiarity with the Alpine team is another advantage. Having spent considerable time in the garage as a reserve driver over the past two years, he has gained a deep understanding of the team’s operations, which Oakes believes will aid his transition.
"I think the programme has been, I dare say, well planned for him,” added Oakes.
“I think although the team doesn't get much credit from the [Oscar] Piastri situation, they obviously are pretty good with young drivers and preparing them.
"And I think Jack's been on that same path. He's been with me quite a bit in the garage.
"He listens to the intercom with me, and Flav, giving us his two pennies as well. So I'm sure he's ready for it."
While the stakes are high, Oakes believes Doohan’s professionalism and methodical approach will serve him well in his debut.
With Alpine’s eyes set on the future, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix represents not only a test for Doohan but a chance to build momentum for the seasons to come.
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