F1: Alpine Confirms Doohan for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Ocon Released for Haas
Alpine and Esteban Ocon have mutually decided to conclude their partnership. The Frenchman will step aside to allow Jack Doohan to make his F1 race debut.
By Divyam Dubey
Alpine has announced a significant driver change for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Esteban Ocon will step aside to allow Jack Doohan to make his Formula 1 race debut. Ocon, who has already signed with Haas for the 2025 season, will drive the Haas car during the post-season test. This early swap benefits both drivers: Ocon gains valuable experience with his new team, while Doohan gets a head start on his Alpine career. Doohan will partner with Pierre Gasly in Abu Dhabi, foreshadowing their 2025 lineup. This decision comes after a challenging period for Ocon, despite a recent podium finish. Alpine and Ocon agreed to accelerate their 2025 plans, leading to the early release and driver swap. Doohan's Abu Dhabi debut provides a valuable opportunity to showcase his talent and adapt to the demands of Formula 1. This early exposure will be crucial for his development as an Alpine driver.
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A statement from Alpine reads: 'BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Reserve Driver Jack Doohan will race in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon. The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. Jack, who has already been announced as an official driver for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, will race with the #61 as his registered Reserve Driver number and will also participate in the end-of-season test for the team at the Yas Marina Circuit.
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'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.'
About Jack Doohan
Jack Doohan, a former member of the Red Bull Junior Team, has become the first Alpine Academy driver to compete in Formula 1 with the French team. The 21-year-old Australian, who joined Alpine's academy in 2022, has a strong junior career, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 2021 Formula 3 Championship and a third-place finish in the 2023 Formula 2 Championship.
In 2024, Doohan made a strategic decision to prioritize a reserve role with Alpine over a potential race seat in another series, such as Formula 2. This decision paid off, as he will be driving full time with Alpine.
