Jack Doohan set to make Alpine debut in Abu Dhabi
Jack Doohan is likely to make his debut for Alpine a race early as he replaces Esteban Ocon for this weekend’s season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Australian was already due to replace Ocon, who will join Haas for 2025 and next week’s test has been let go as part of an agreement to allow him to test in Abu Dhabi.
Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick, the decision will likely ease pressure on him going into his home Grand Prix in Melbourne which opens the 2025 season. It also allows Ocon to experience Haas’ team and car before heading into his winter preparations with the team.
Ocon signed for Haas in July before Alpine confirmed 21-year-old Australian Doohan as his replacement in August. The French driver was understood to be seeking permission from Alpine to be allowed to drive for Haas in the post-season test following the Abu Dhabi event.
The decision is slightly surprising given Alpine and Haas are separated by five points in their fight for sixth in the constructors.
Relations between Ocon and Alpine have soured this season, and the team made a decision not to continue with the Frenchman after he collided with Gasly on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix. Following last weekends race in Qatar, where the Frenchman retired following a first lap following a collision with Williams’ Franco Colapinto.
An Alpine statement said: “He will remain part of the team’s history (after) achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future.”
Doohan took a year out in 2024 but finish third in F2 last season with wins in Abu Dhabi, Spa and Budapest.