Source – Sportskeeda
In an agreement that releases Esteban Ocon to play in the post-season test for new team Haas, Alpine has revealed that Jack Doohan will make his Formula One race debut sooner than anticipated at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 paddock is abuzz with the latest shake-up involving Alpine and Esteban Ocon as Jack Doohan prepares for a high-stakes debut in Abu Dhabi. The move comes after confirmation earlier in the year that Ocon would part ways with Alpine at the end of the 2024 season, marking the conclusion of his five-year tenure with the Enstone-based outfit. Ocon’s future lies with Haas, where he will partner with the rising talent Ollie Bearman in 2025. However, the announcement of Doohan stepping in for Ocon at the season finale has added a new layer of intrigue to the year’s closing chapter.
Doohan’s impending debut at Yas Marina not only serves as a tantalizing preview of what lies ahead for Alpine in 2025 but also accelerates the Australian’s transition to a full-time race seat alongside Pierre Gasly. The 21-year-old reserve driver has already been confirmed as part of Alpine’s plans for the upcoming season, and now, with Ocon released early to begin his association with Haas, Doohan will have the opportunity to showcase his mettle under the intense spotlight of Formula 1.
Ocon’s exit from Alpine has been handled with mutual respect, as evidenced by the team’s acknowledgment of his contributions. Notably, he delivered Alpine’s first-ever F1 victory, a moment that cemented his place in the team’s history. While his absence from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix means he won’t compete in the season finale, he will still be active at Yas Marina, testing Haas machinery during the post-season sessions. This arrangement allows Haas to integrate Ocon into their system early, providing invaluable insights before the 2025 campaign begins.
For Doohan, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix represents an enormous challenge and a golden opportunity. As he takes the wheel of the Alpine car, he’ll carry the weight of the team’s ambitions in their fight for sixth place in the constructors’ standings. With Haas and RB also in the mix, every point matters, making this debut far from a casual introduction to the sport. Doohan’s assignment will also see him running the #61, a number registered under his reserve driver designation, before participating in the post-season tests.
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes emphasized that this decision was mutually beneficial for all parties involved. The chance to give Doohan an early start allows the team to prepare for 2025 while enabling Ocon to move forward with his new team. Oakes expressed confidence in Doohan’s ability to manage the pressures of such a significant moment. Reflecting on other recent debuts, such as Ollie Bearman’s remarkable performance in Saudi Arabia and Kimi Antonelli’s challenging weekend in Monza, Oakes noted that each debut is unique and comes with its own pressures. Nevertheless, he praised Doohan’s professionalism and adaptability, traits he believes will serve the young driver well.
The backdrop of the constructors’ battle adds an extra layer of drama to Doohan’s debut. Alpine, Haas, and RB are locked in a fierce contest for sixth place, and any slip-up could prove costly. While Ocon’s recent misfortunes, including his crash in Qatar, brought challenges to Alpine, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in Abu Dhabi. Oakes believes that with a solid run through practice sessions, Doohan can find his rhythm and deliver a strong performance.
Doohan’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of impressive. As a member of Alpine’s driver development program, he has honed his craft with consistent performances in lower categories. Now, the chance to race at the pinnacle of motorsport marks a defining moment in his career. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as he navigates the pressures of debuting at one of the most glamorous and demanding events on the calendar.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with its glitzy setting and challenging layout, has often served as the stage for defining moments in Formula 1. For Jack Doohan, it offers the perfect platform to announce his arrival in the sport. Whether it’s managing the complexities of the Yas Marina Circuit, staying composed amid intense midfield battles, or representing Alpine’s ambitions, Doohan’s first Grand Prix promises to be a spectacle worth following.
