Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has didn’t fully shut down a hearsay of a possible swap of Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto when requested by RacingNews365.
Argentine Colapinto was signed as a reserve driver over the winter from Williams, with Australian Doohan stated to be on a 5 or six-race contract to show his value to the crew as he begins his rookie season.
Alpine have been clear that Doohan will begin the season in Melbourne, however his long-term future is unclear, with RacingNews365 posing a direct query to Oakes throughout a powerful pre-season check to the crew.
He was requested if he was in a position to “proper right here and now” shut down the hearsay concerning the swap, however didn’t reply the query.
“I feel we have been actually trustworthy as a crew as to what we’re doing,” Oakes replied.
“I’m fairly chilled on it, and I feel I hold saying it, however simply let Jack get on with it and in addition let the crew get on with it.”
Doohan has carried out effectively throughout pre-season testing, with Oakes believing the F2 race-winner ought to “given area” to carry out.
“I used to be fairly pleased with him being punchy with you all [at F1 75, but on a serious note, I actually feel for him because I get everybody wants the clickbait and that it is a discussion topic,” he continued.
“He should be given a bit of space to just get on with it for a few rounds, and then at the end of the day, like every driver, he’s got to deliver.
“But he’s done a really good job of blocking out the noise and just getting on with it.
“No matter what driver you are in any category, there is pressure, it doesn’t matter if that is F1 or even in the junior categories, and because Franco did a good job last year and has a big fan base, of course, it is natural people want to talk about that.”
