• Alpine driver crashes out on first lap in local Formula One grand prix
• 22-year-old among three drivers to make early exit in wet conditions

Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has praised Jack Doohan despite the rookie’s first lap crash at the season-opening grand prix in Melbourne, but reiterated the Australian must perform in order to retain his seat.

Doohan was one of three drivers to fall foul of the wet surface in the early stages after a day of heavy rain, marking a disappointing end to a weekend where he showed promise in qualifying 14th.