Alpine’s reserve driver, Jack Doohan, is set to make his Formula 1 debut ahead of schedule in Abu Dhabi as a full-time driver for the French team, as announced by the racing stable on Monday. Doohan was initially slated to replace Esteban Ocon in 2025, but will now get behind the wheel of the Alpine car a race earlier. This move frees up Ocon to drive for his future team, Haas, in the post-season test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Alpine had already announced in August that Australian reserve driver Doohan would be joining Pierre Gasly in the Alpine car in 2025. Doohan will be racing under number 61 and will also participate in the same post-season test after the Grand Prix weekend in Abu Dhabi.
The French team had announced in June that it would be parting ways with Esteban Ocon after the current season, but is now bidding him farewell ahead of schedule. “The team would like to thank Esteban for his time with the racing stable, and he will always remain a part of our history,” reads the official press release. “He secured the first victory for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban all the best for the future.”
Hungary
Ocon claimed one victory during his time as a driver for the French Alpine team at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. The Frenchman currently ranks fourteenth in the drivers’ standings and will not have the opportunity to improve his position. After the winter break, Ocon will officially join Haas as a teammate to rookie Oliver Bearman.
