Alpine’s Jack Doohan to make Formula 1 debut at Yas Marina
Jack Doohan is set to make a surprise Formula 1 debut for Alpine at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stepping in for Esteban Ocon in an unexpected driver switch.
The Australian, already confirmed as Ocon’s replacement for the 2025 season, will make an early appearance on the grid as Ocon moves to Haas ahead of schedule to prepare for his new role.
Ocon’s departure comes after a tumultuous season, marked by inconsistency and tension within the Alpine team.
Since the mid-season break, the Frenchman has been comprehensively outperformed by teammate Pierre Gasly, who has scored 30 more points and delivered more consistent qualifying results.
Ocon, by contrast, has been eliminated in Q1 four times, with three back-row starts and just one points finish during the latter half of the season.
Despite securing a podium finish in Brazil, his struggles culminated in a last-place qualifying performance in the Qatar Grand Prix.
The decision to field Doohan comes at a crucial juncture for Alpine, as they are locked in a tight battle for sixth place in the constructors’ championship.
Gasly’s strong 10-point haul in Qatar propelled the team back to the top of the midfield, with a five-point lead over Haas and a 13-point cushion over RB Racing Team.
F1 2024 Constructors’ Championship standings
- 1 – McLaren Mercedes – Points: 640
- 2 – Ferrari – Points: 619
- 3 – Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT – Points: 581
- 4 – Mercedes – Points: 446
- 5 – Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes – Points: 92
- 7 – Alpine Renault – Points: 59
- 6 – Haas Ferrari – Points: 54
- 8 – RB Honda RBPT – Points: 46
- 9 – Williams Mercedes – Points: 17
- 10 – Kick Sauber Ferrari – Points: 4
The financial implications are significant, with the gap between sixth and eighth in the standings estimated to be worth more than $30 million in prize money.
The 21-year-old Australian has extensive experience at the Yas Marina Circuit, having raced there three times in Formula 2, and his debut will also quash rumors that Alpine was considering Franco Colapinto as a replacement before Doohan had even made his F1 debut.
Team principal Oliver Oakes remained tight-lipped about the decision when pressed after the Qatar Grand Prix, stating,
“We’ll see,” when asked about the possibility of Doohan stepping in.
However, Ocon’s early departure to Haas appears to confirm the reports.
Doohan’s unexpected debut represents a significant opportunity to gain valuable race experience ahead of his full-time F1 campaign in 2025.