Australian driver Jack Doohan is set to make his Formula 1 debut with the Alpine team at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
This move comes a surprising three months earlier than expected, with Doohan, the son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick, originally slated to join the grid at the start of next season.
Doohan will take over Esteban Ocon's seat at Alpine, following Ocon's underwhelming performance at last weekend's Qatar Grand Prix. After qualifying last and retiring on the opening lap, Ocon's struggles have reportedly expedited the decision for the replacement.ย
Doohan took to Instagram to express his gratitude toward his ex-teammate ahead of stepping into the driver's seat.
โAlso very grateful to Esteban who I've learnt a great deal from over the last two years,โ he wrote. He's been beneficial to my learning and development in Formula 1 and wish him the best for his future.โ
This weekend's race, which marks the conclusion of the 2024 season, sees Alpine taking a bold gamble on 21-year-old Doohan. The final standings in the Constructor's Championship are yet to be decided, with Alpine fighting to maintain their sixth-place position. With 59 points, they are closely trailed by Haas with 54 - the team Ocon will join next season.
In the team's race preview, Doohan discussed being aware of how crucial his performance this weekend will be in securing Alpine's position.
โThis weekend, as well as the post-season test, present an opportunity for myself and the team to have additional track time together as we gear up for the 2025 season and the aim for myself will be to support the team's ambition to finish in sixth in the Constructors' Championship,โ Doohan said.ย
While Max Verstappen was able to secure his fourth World Championship title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Constructor's Championship is still up for grabs. McLaren currently leads the pack, but last weekend's GP saw second-place Ferrari narrow the gap to just 21 points as the season heads into its final round.
With the reported difference between finishing sixth and eighth in the Championship estimated at around $US20 million to $US30 million, the pressure is on the rookie. Speaking to The Athletic, Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes expressed his confidence in Doohan.ย
โI guess you could say it's good to get Jack in early, I think you could say from Esteban's side it's good to move on early,โ Oakes said. โAt the end of the day, Jack's just got to take it as he finds it. He's professional enough to handle it.โ
