Jack Doohan will make his highly anticipated Formula 1 debut for Alpine at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon for the weekend. The decision to swap drivers comes after discussions between Ocon and the French team about him standing down for the final race of the season. Despite a podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ocon has faced a challenging run of results recently, prompting talks about both him and Alpine focusing on their 2025 plans ahead of time.
The change allows Alpine to give Doohan a valuable opportunity to gain experience in preparation for his full-time seat with the team next season, while also enabling Ocon to begin work early with his future team, Haas. Reports suggest that one of the key factors in reaching this decision was the agreement for Alpine to release Ocon from the post-Abu Dhabi tyre test, allowing him to drive for Haas in exchange for missing the race weekend.
Alpine’s team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, explained that the decision made sense for both sides. He noted that it would be beneficial for Doohan to get an early taste of F1, allowing him to acclimatize and ease into the team environment. He also acknowledged Ocon's significant contribution to the team over the years, emphasizing that the move suited both the driver and the team.
Doohan’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will provide him with the chance to work closely with the team and get valuable race experience before the start of the 2025 season. Additionally, he will take part in the post-season Abu Dhabi test, where he will gain further crucial mileage and continue his preparations for next year. This opportunity is seen as a crucial stepping stone for the young driver as he aims to make a strong impact in his rookie season.
The move marks a significant milestone in Doohan’s career, offering him a head start in his Formula 1 journey while allowing Alpine to focus on their long-term objectives.
