The news was already in the air. Today, however, the official announcement arrived: Esteban Ocon ends his 2024 season early with his retirement at the Qatar GP. In Alpine, Doohan will take his place for the last race of the season. Sunday, in Abu Dhabi, will be an unexpected debut for the Australian, but it will already have the flavour of an important first test.
With Jack Doohan Alpine brings forward the start of the 2025 season
Esteban Ocon's experience at Alpine did not end in the best way. And yet, the initial premises were very different. A French team, with a French driver: ready to assert themselves on the grid. Despite the fortuitous victory in Hungary in 2021 and the unexpected podium achieved under the downpour of Interlagos almost a month ago, the results did not arrive and the relationships have tilted. Especially with the arrival in the team of Flavio Briatore and his much-vaunted "spring cleaning". It is not yet clear what the precise reasons could be behind a rather abrupt interruption which, in Formula 1 at least, usually comes after a very poor performance. What is certain is that Ocon and Alpine were separated at home since this summer, both ready to turn the page and start a new chapter in their history in the premier class.
A termination, therefore, that all in all could benefit both. Ocon will be able to immediately begin working with his new team: Haas. The official announcement Alpine explains it well: “The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi“. The Frenchman will in fact have the opportunity to start gaining confidence with the American team, an advantage that could prove important for a smoother transition with a view to 2025. However, Alpine will also gain, as it will be able to start working early with the promising youngster Jack Doohan, thus starting the new season as early as Friday with free practice.
Abu Dhabi will already be a first test for Jack Doohan
Often in Formula 1 and, if we want, in life it is like this: behind a great opportunity there are always sharp pitfalls. Last August the Australian driver was officialized in Alpine as Pierre Gasly's teammate for the 2025 season. Lately, however, some rumours within the Paddock have no longer given his position within the team as certain. Reason? The rise of Franco Colapinto who, at least before the Brazilian GP, was seriously putting Alexander Albon in difficulty in Williams, also achieving some points finishes. Furthermore, according to some hypotheses, Briatore had Doohan sign a contract valid only for the first five GPs, keeping a loophole in case the debutant does not deliver the desired results.
These are just hypotheses that must be added to the decline in performance by Colapinto himself. The recent accidents will certainly affect his market value. However, Doohan, to be calm, will have to live his first race in Formula 1 with the tranquility and concentration of a rookie. But, at the same time, he will have to be careful to get that little something extra that can dispel any skepticism about him. The young Australian certainly has talent. In the minor categories he has always obtained the podium in the general classification, missing very little to grab the championship victory.
Doohan, son of the legendary motorcycle racer Mick, will therefore have to try to ensure a solid performance for Alpine. He already knows the car in part, given that the Australian has already raced in the top series this year during the free practice sessions for the Silverstone GP this summer. All that remains is to get into the cockpit and hope to find that feeling with the top category that can enable him to already start making the difference. It is not easy but, finally, Doohan has found what he has always dreamed of and searched for: Formula 1.
