Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan WILL make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Alpine as Esteban Ocon is released to Haas
Aussie racing driver Jack Doohan will make his Formula One debut for Alpine in this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
News had filtered through on Sunday that he would be replacing Esteban Ocon on the grid for the final race of the season, but the news was officially confirmed by Alpine on Monday morning.
It came as Ocon, who signed for Haas in July, agreed a deal to end his season with Alpine a race early. It brings to an end his five-year stay at the Formula One team, with the 28-year-old set to join up with young British star Ollie Bearman at the American racing outfit for 2025.
The Frenchman appears to have been granted permission by the Oxfordshire-based Formula One side to end his season early, in order to join up with Haas for a test event after this weekend’s race.
Sky Sports pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz had broken the news after the Qatar Grand Prix but on Monday, Alpine officially confirmed the news in a statement.
A spokesperson for the Formula One outfit wrote: ‘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.’
Doohan, 21, will also now succeed Ocon as Alpine’s new driver for the upcoming season and will pair up with Pierre Gasly.
Alpine had confirmed the Queenslander would be replacing Ocon back in August, with Doohan having spoken of his elation at the news.
‘I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team. I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management,’ the Aussie said.
‘There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up.
‘It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality.
‘It’s an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.’
More to follow…
