Jack Doohan shared a heartwarming message with the entire Alpine crew. He is set to replace Esteban Ocon on the team and will join them in 2025.
Currently serving as their reserve driver, Doohan has been in this role since 2023. At the time, he was racing in Formula 2 for Invicta Virtuosi Racing and finished the season with a career-best third place in the championship.
Soon after Oliver Oakes was signed as Alpine's team principal, he announced Jack Doohan as their driver for the 2025 F1 season, replacing their current driver Ocon. Recently the team shared a clip of him addressing the crew where he was heard saying:
"I'm just a little bogan regular kid from Australia, never anything more than that and I never want to change," he said. "So, I'm always just like anyone else with just the title of an F1 driver now which I probably won't ever really believe. But yeah, like I said, thank you all so much for this opportunity. I won't let you down here I know you won't let me down either. And I can't wait to get started with all you guys. Cheers."
The team's decision to part ways with Esteban Ocon came earlier this season. This happened after he shared an incident with his teammate Pierre Gasly during the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Alpine team principal positive about Jack Doohan's signing
Jack Doohan is the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy and be promoted to an F1 season. His campaign in the junior racing series is impressive for the team as well.
Oliver Oakes claimed that signing Doohan for the seat further proves to be a positive aspect for the team's driver academy.
"We are very excited to promote Jack into the race seat from next season and, in doing so, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skill and talent in Formula 1," F1 quoted Oakes. "Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway."
Oakes also worked with Doohan during his early racing years in Asian Formula 3, racing for Hitech GP. He stated that he understands the "raw talent" that the 21-year-old carries and the team will have a strong driver pair with him and Gasly.
"Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential. He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team. Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination between youthful energy, experience, and pure speed."