Alpine boss Oliver Oakes praises Jack Doohan following Bahrain test, particularly the way he has handled the media.

Already under pressure, ahead of his first season in F1, the Australian's cause wasn't helped when Argentine hot-shot, Franco Colapinto was signed as the French team's reserve driver.

As ever, Flavio Briatore was quick to pour fuel on the smouldering leaves, claiming that he couldn't guarantee Doohan's seat for the full season.

Consequently, as opposed to focussing on Melbourne, Doohan has been forced to spend much of his time batting away questions from the media about his future, while the comments from 'fans' of Colapinto on social media haven't helped.

Nonetheless, not only has the Australian dealt with the media well, he put in a strong performance during pre-season testing, his race simulation on the penultimate day suggesting that Alpine could be battling Williams for the 'best of the rest' title this year.

Speaking as the test came to an end, team boss Oakes said he was proud of the youngster and the way he has handled everything.

"I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all," he replied, when asked if the seat was Doohan's for the season. "I actually feel for him, because I get that everybody wants the clickbait and that's a discussion topic. But I think also he should be given a bit of space to just get on with it for a few rounds.

"I think he's done a really good job of just blocking out the noise and getting on with it," he added.

"I get everybody has an opinion, everyone can be a keyboard warrior as well," he continued, "but 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.

"Flavio said it didn't he, we're starting the season with Jack and Pierre and then let's see how it all goes. I think we've been really honest as a team as to what we're doing. I'm pretty chilled with it, Jack just gets on with it and also lets the team get on with it.

"Our target is to continue where we ended up at the end of last year, we kind of want to be clipping at the heels of those front teams. Both drivers have been pretty happy with the car."

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1. Posted by kenji, 1 hour ago

"IMO the set up is not conducive to clear and definitive directions so long as any distractions will weigh heavily on such young shoulders. Yes, externally it appears that Doohan is keeping his focus but internally he will have the nagging doubt about whether he can match the expectations of Briatore. By the same token it's difficult to argue with Briatores' logic. The temperature in the kitchen needs to be tempered with a cool breeze through an open window!!! The media though are largely to blame and they really should just back off and let the lad get on with it."

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Oakes "proud" of Doohan

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