Alpine has confirmed that Jack Doohan will make his Formula 1 race debut earlier than expected, taking the place of Esteban Ocon at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This move comes as Alpine releases Ocon, allowing the French driver to participate in the post-season test with Haas.
Esteban Ocon’s departure from Alpine was already confirmed earlier in the season, with the Frenchman set to leave after the 2024 campaign, ending his five-year stint with the team. It was later announced that Ocon would join Haas for the 2025 season, where he will partner with rookie Ollie Bearman.
However, Alpine’s decision to release Ocon early allows the French driver to take part in the post-season test with Haas, scheduled to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Doohan’s Early F1 Opportunity
With Ocon’s release, Alpine has confirmed that reserve driver Jack Doohan will step into the car for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Doohan, who was previously announced as an official driver for Alpine in 2025 alongside Pierre Gasly, will race under the 61 as his registered Reserve Driver number. He will also participate in the end-of-season test for Alpine at Yas Marina.
“We’re excited to have Jack in the car for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, This gives him an early opportunity to gain valuable experience before joining us full-time next season," Alpine’s statement read.
A Fitting End for Ocon at Alpine
Despite his early departure, Alpine expressed gratitude for Ocon's contributions to the team, especially his historic achievement in securing Alpine’s first-ever win in Formula 1. The team’s statement also included best wishes for Ocon's future endeavors with Haas.
“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,” the statement continued.
Ocon's Qatar Struggles and Smooth Transition
Ocon’s early release follows a challenging weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he started at the back of the grid before his race ended on the opening lap after a collision with Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto. Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes acknowledged that the decision to release Ocon and allow Doohan to make his debut in Abu Dhabi was mutually beneficial for both parties.
“I think it comes from all sides really, I guess you could say it’s good to get Jack in early, I think you could say from Esteban’s side it’s good to move on early. It suits everybody, so I think the discussion was quite natural really, and I think Esteban’s been a big part of this team as well, and from both sides, it suits each other," Oakes said.
Doohan’s Debut in Abu Dhabi: Expectations
With Doohan set to make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Oakes expressed confidence in the Australian’s ability to handle the pressure, despite the high stakes of the season finale. The race will be crucial for Alpine’s constructors' championship battle with Haas and Red Bull Racing for sixth place.
“I think anyone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that, it’s never easy to judge,” Jack’s just got to take it as he finds it. I think he’s professional enough to handle it. Once you ease into the weekend with FP1 and FP2, you can build up to it as well," Oakes said.
As Doohan prepares for his debut, Alpine is hopeful he will rise to the challenge, gaining valuable experience as he takes the next step in his F1 career.
