Jack Doohan believes he can aim for a Formula 1 seat by 2025
Jack Doohan is the reserve driver for Alpine for the 2024 season. The Australian driver will also undergo a private testing program alongside his duties.
Alpine should have the choice for its drivers in 2025. While the 2024 season has not yet begun, the year promises to be filled with transfers. Over ten drivers are coming to the end of their contracts. As a result, teams will have to be proactive in either extending their proteges’ contracts or hoping to attract new talents. At the only French team, the first option seems to be a contract extension for their two drivers hailing from Normandy. They are entering their second year side by side, have a successful track record, and career references. However, Formula 1 is not a smooth sailing journey, and there is no guarantee that both of them will still be there prior to official announcements.
In case of Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly’s departure, Alpine could have a solution within its own ranks. Jack Doohan is a driver from the academy and could pose as a strong contender for a seat in the French team.
A CV that expands/grows/enriches
Jack Doohan should be the driver who will conduct the FP1 sessions for rookies. Every year, the FIA requires each team to allow a rookie to participate in at least one testing session per car. As a member of the Alpine Academy, the former F2 driver should represent Alpine during these sessions. Additionally, the Australian has been selected for 10 days of private F1 testing, using older cars. These outings will take place throughout the year, alongside his role as a simulator driver at the French factory.
(D) Outside of the current Formula 1 grid, I am the most experienced driver with the highest mileage in one of these machines, said former Art Grand Prix driver in an interview with AutoSport. (D) These are race distances, on wet and dry tracks, with high and low temperatures. So, I am starting to experience everything. For me, the only goal at the moment is to try to secure my place on the grid for next year, while ensuring that I do the work during these tests as they are also very important. (F)
Jack Doohan is currently building an attractive CV. The Australian has always shown his desire to represent Alpine in F1. Although he doesn’t exclude considering joining another team if there is no position at Enstone in 2025, he is determined to convince Bruno Famin. “For the moment, I have a long contract with Alpine,” he explained. “I want to be here. I have been working with the team for three years now. Everyone is a familiar face, we have a good connection. There is a good atmosphere, a good team spirit among us all, so getting into the car feels like being at home.”
Stay focused on your role as a reserve pilot.
Oscar Piastri had already followed a similar program. For these 10 test sessions, Jack Doohan will race once with the 2021 car and the other nine sessions in the A522. « I have already spent quite a bit of time in the car, said the 21-year-old athlete. « I feel ready to get on board like I did in Abu Dhabi in FP1. I was only half a tenth away from Pierre. So this will only help further. I will be in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and then on typical European circuits like Monza or Barcelona. I can also go to Zandvoort. It’s not a typical circuit. But we know it’s a technical and challenging track, so spending two days there would be really cool. I will have a good grip on the circuits I will have been to. »
Jack Doohan will not be racing in Formula 2 for the 2024 season. He will also not be participating in the WEC program with Alpine. The matter has been discussed with the team, however, the priority has been given to the fact that the Australian will be available for all 24 F1 races of the season.
« For any race located more than three hours away by flight, I have to be there for the entire weekend,” he noted. « As for the majority of European races, I will be on the simulator all day on Friday, and then I will take a direct flight to the race. It’s strange not being able to participate in races. I try to engage in activities outside of motorsport to stay in shape, such as triathlons and running. I really enjoy it, and it’s also a great way to stay fit and keep the mind sharp.”
Jack Doohan finished 3rd in the last Formula 2 season.
