Alpine have announced that Jack Doohan will complete their 2025 driver line-up. Consistent with previous reports, the Australian has a seat alongside Pierre Gasly for next season. Assuming that Antonelli joins Mercedes next season, Doohan will be one of at least three rookies on next year’s grid.
Doohan makes F1 debut with Alpine
Doohan has spent this season working as Alpine’s reserve driver, completing extensive hours in the simulator and participating in several tests for the French squad.
Since Ocon’s departure from Enstone was announced, the Australian has been the favourite to join Alpine.
For several reasons, Jack Doohan represents an important shift in Alpine’s approach. Rather than pursuing a big-name signing, the team led by Oliver Oakes have turned to their academy.
This is the first time an Alpine Academy driver has been promoted to the main team.
Doohan has reflected on earning an F1 seat:
“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.
“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.”
Unless Alpine’s trajectory dramatically changes, Doohan will be fighting near the back in 2025.
To some extent, this should alleviate some of the pressure on the Australian. It should give him some breathing space to make mistakes with relatively minimal scrutiny.
Still, Doohan must convince Alpine he is a strong long-term option.
