Doohan is gearing up to embark on his rookie campaign in the sport having been chosen to replace the departed Esteban Ocon to partner the established Pierre Gasly.
The Argentine had impressed in an interim spell with Williams last time around, but Carlos Sainz’s arrival resigned him not to retaining his drive at the Grove-based squad.
But Doohan, who conducted his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi in December, dismissed the mounting reports surrounding his position, citing that pressure is inevitable in the sport.
He said “I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver. I think regardless, you’re one of 20 Formula 1 drivers in the world.
“I know when I was a go-karter in Formula 3, Formula 2, I would do anything to be in Formula 1 and sacrifice everything.
“I don’t think necessarily if it’s someone inside the team, outside the team, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders because you’re in such a cutthroat sport.
“Whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it, and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”
He went on to emphasize that he doesn’t feel undermined by his team mate Colapinto who was just recently signed.
Jack Doohan said “I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract, but no, I don’t,” he replied. “Maybe I should? I don’t really understand that question, but definitely not.”
Doohan went on to highlight that he will learn a thing or two from Gasly as they are paired together.
He said “I’ve been, obviously, a team-mate directly in the car for the last two years, but from, let’s say, a third person point of view, looking in and seeing Pierre as a driver and obviously him being so richly experienced now, a race winner, podium finisher, an exceptional driver in Formula 1.
“So to be partnered up against him is great and I’m sure it’ll be amazing for me to learn off him and increase my capabilities in Formula 1 car.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
