Formula 1 Racing

Alpine confirm Doohan to make F1 debut in place of Ocon in 2025 · RaceFans

Jack Doohan, Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2024

Alpine have confirmed they will promote reserve driver Jack Doohan to their race team next year.

Doohan’s opportunity to make his Formula 1 debut arose after the team and Esteban Ocon decided to part ways at the end of 2024.

Doohan will turn 22 just before the start of the 2025 championship, and is to partner Pierre Gasly as Alpine’s second driver.

The team’s newest driver previously raced in Formula 2. He ended the 2023 season, his second full year in the category, third in the drivers’ standings.

As part of the Alpine driver academy, Doohan has made six appearances in Friday practice sessions with the team since 2022, including twice this season at the Canadian and British Grands Prix. However he had no racing programme this year.

He is the second rookie to have been confirmed 2025 grid, joining Oliver Bearman who made a single start for Ferrari earlier this year and will start his first full season for Haas. Doohan is also the second Australian driver to be confirmed to be racing in Formula 1 next season, alongside McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

New Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes said the team were “very excited” to promote Doohan into a race seat for 2025.

“Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway,” said Oakes.

“Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential. He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team. Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination between youthful energy, experience, and pure speed. We look forward to working with both Jack and Pierre in order to keep developing the car and bring the team up the grid.”

Doohan said he was “very grateful for the trust and belief” shown to him by the team.

“There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up,” said Doohan.

“It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality. It’s an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.”

Doohan, who is…

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