In a pivotal move for the Formula 1 grid, Alpine has confirmed that Jack Doohan will step up from his current reserve role to a full-time race seat for the 2025 season. The 21-year-old Australian will replace Esteban Ocon and team up with Pierre Gasly, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.
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Doohan’s Rise Through the Ranks
Jack Doohan, a standout talent from Alpine’s dedicated academy, has been making waves since joining the team in 2022. After departing from the Red Bull junior program, Doohan quickly established himself as a promising driver. He secured third place in the 2023 Formula 2 championship, clinching three race victories, and also achieved a runner-up position in the 2021 Formula 3 standings.
A Promising Future with Alpine
The announcement comes in the wake of Esteban Ocon’s imminent move to Haas, a change that has set the stage for Doohan’s promotion. Throughout 2024, speculation about Doohan’s potential promotion had been mounting, and Alpine’s recent confirmation solidifies his future with the team. Doohan has gained valuable experience in F1 machinery through extensive private testing and six FP1 sessions over the past two years, preparing him for this new challenge.
Doohan’s Reaction and Team Sentiment
“I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team,” Doohan expressed. “I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management. 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.”
Oliver Oakes, Alpine’s newly appointed Team Principal, shared his enthusiasm for Doohan’s promotion. “We are very excited to promote Jack into the race seat from next season and, in doing so, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skill and talent in Formula 1,” Oakes said. “Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, which is exceptionally pleasing for us.”
Continuing in His Current Role
For the remainder of the 2024 season, Doohan will continue his role as reserve driver. He will participate in regular tests with the 2022-spec A522 F1 car and fulfill duties in the team’s simulator on select race weekends. This ongoing involvement will ensure he remains well-prepared for his new role.
Looking Ahead
With Jack Doohan’s promotion, Alpine has secured a driver who combines youthful energy with considerable talent. Team Principal Oliver Oakes is confident that the partnership with Pierre Gasly will bring a dynamic balance to the team, enhancing their competitiveness as they aim to climb the grid in the coming seasons.
