In a shocking turn of events, the Alpine Formula 1 team has announced that their 2025 signing Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Australian, son of motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan, is set to make his highly anticipated F1 debut under the dazzling lights of the Yas Marina Circuit on December 8th.
Alpine’s Surprise Decision
The unexpected move, confirmed by Alpine on Monday, will see Doohan step into the spotlight sooner than expected. Speaking to reporters after the Qatar Grand Prix, Alpine boss Ollie Oakes shed light on the decision, stating that it would enable the young prodigy to “get those butterflies gone now rather than next year in Australia.”
Ocon, who secured Alpine’s first win in Hungary back in 2021, has already inked a deal to race for Haas next season. His early departure will pave the way for him to test with his new team in the post-season test at Abu Dhabi, while Doohan gets a taste of the action with Alpine.
The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future.
– Alpine F1 Team statement
Doohan’s Rise to F1
Jack Doohan’s path to Formula 1 has been a story of perseverance and raw talent. After honing his skills in the Red Bull driver academy between 2018 and 2021, the Australian made the switch to Alpine’s academy in 2022. His impressive performances in the junior formulas, including a second-place finish in the 2021 Formula 3 championship and a third-place finish in the 2023 Formula 2 championship, caught the eye of Alpine’s top brass.
Now, with an unexpected opportunity to showcase his abilities on the grandest stage of them all, Doohan will be eager to make a lasting impression. The pressure will be immense, but the young Aussie has proven time and again that he thrives under challenging circumstances.
Yas Marina Circuit: A Baptism of Fire
The Yas Marina Circuit, with its long straights, tight corners, and unforgiving barriers, will provide a stern test for the rookie. As the sun sets on the 2024 Formula 1 season, all eyes will be on Doohan to see if he can rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable performance in his maiden outing.
The glitz and glamour of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, often referred to as the “jewel in the crown” of the F1 calendar, will only add to the spectacle. Under the gleaming lights of the Yas Marina Circuit, Doohan will have the chance to etch his name into the annals of motorsport history.
A New Chapter Begins
As one door closes for Esteban Ocon at Alpine, another opens for Jack Doohan. The Australian’s unexpected debut marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his racing career, and the start of what could be a thrilling journey in Formula 1.
With the weight of a nation on his shoulders and the eyes of the motorsport world upon him, Doohan will need to summon every ounce of his skill, courage, and determination to make his mark in Abu Dhabi. Whether he sinks or swims, one thing is certain: the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be a race to remember.
As the sun sets on the 2024 Formula 1 season, a new star is poised to rise. Jack Doohan, the young Australian with racing in his blood, is ready to seize his moment in the spotlight. The stage is set, the lights are glowing, and the engines are roaring. Let the battle commence.
