Australian driver Jack Doohan will be making an early start to his maiden campaign as an official Formula 1 driver this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stepping in for Frenchman Esteban Ocon, released to drive in the post-season test for his new team, Haas, Alpine confirmed on Monday.
Round 24 of a record-breaking 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship race calendar will mark the debut of Australian driver Jack Doohan as an official F1 driver for the Alpine Formula One Team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In an Instagram post, the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan wrote: “Stoked to be racing in Abu Dhabi this weekend for my debut Grand Prix.
“Grateful to *@alpinef1team for the trust and for giving me this opportunity. Also very grateful to Esteban, who I’ve learned a great deal from over the last two years. He’s been beneficial to my learning and development in Formula 1, and I wish him the best for his future*.”
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Last August, he became the first Alpine Academy driver to graduate to a full-time race seat with the outfit after signing a deal from the 2025 season.
Now, his first grand prix weekend at the wheel of the A524 challenger promises to be a valuable opportunity to get familiar with the car earlier than planned.
Alpine’s official press release reads: “BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Reserve Driver Jack Doohan will race in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon. The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
“Jack, who has already been announced as an official driver for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, will race with the #61 as his registered Reserve Driver number and will also participate in the end-of-season test for the team at the Yas Marina Circuit.”
Since 2023, the 21-year-old has combined his Formula 2 driving duties with his role as a reserve driver for the Formula 1 team.
In 2024, he made two F1 Free Practice 1 outings at the Canadian and British Grand Prix, taking over Pierre Gasly’s car.
Alpine Bids Farewell to Esteban Ocon
The five-year partnership between Alpine and Esteban Ocon concludes, starting a new chapter in the French driver career as he joins Haas for the 2025 season alongside a new teammate, rookie Ollie Bearman.
“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team, and he will remain part of the team’s history,…
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