Doohan ready to take on F1 challenge, says Alpine boss

The head of Alpine, Olivier Oakesbelieve that Jack Doohan is ready for its debut in the Formula 1, which will take place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which will close the 2024 season, even if he admits that the bar that the other rookies have set this year is high.

Son of motorcycling legend Mick Doohan to replace him Esteban Ocon in the final fixture of the current campaign, after the Frenchman was released by the team to join haas ahead of Yas Marina's post-season testing. Previously, the Australian suffered an extensive testing program with cars from previous years in preparation for 2025, instead of doing it through the competition itself during the current course.

Oakes thinks that Jack Doohan should cope well with the demands placed on himalthough he claims that the performances of other debutants who served as replacement drivers in 2024, such as Ollie Bearmanhave raised the bar of expectations: “I think for anyone who gets into an F1 car in a situation like that, it's never going to be an easy thing to judge, is it?“, said.

“I think that The problem is the benchmark set by Bearman [en Yeda]which was phenomenal. And I mean that in a good way, because he has enormous talent.. In Monza, Antonelli [con Mercedes] I was under pressure. I think ultimately Jack has to take it as he finds it. I think it's professional enough to handle the situation. I also think that once you start the weekend, with FP1 and FP2, you can get used to it,” he continued.

Oakes explained that the value of the team's classic car testing program, dedicated to young drivers, was demonstrated by the emergence of Oscar Piastri in Formula 1, although his predecessors failed to complete the signing of the Australian, as he ended up leaving for McLaren. Additionally, he added that Doohan's presence in the Alpine garage means his more practical knowledge of the team should come in handy well before his debut.

“I think the program was, dare I say, well planned for him. Even though the team doesn't get much credit for Piastri's situation, they have obviously been very good to the young drivers.and prepare them.

“And I think Jack followed the same path. He accompanied me quite a bit in the garage. He listens to what is said on the radio with me, and also with Flavio Briatore. So I'm sure he's ready.”

Doohan will race with his reserve driver number, No. 61, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but will wear No. 7 for 2025, as the number assigned to Kimi Raikkonen expired this season.