Jack Doohan wins F1 driver's seat with Alpine

Australia’s Jack Doohan, the son of legendary motorcycle racer Mick Doohan, has claimed a full-time driver’s seat for Formula One team Alpine.

Doohan will make his F1 debut at the season-opening grand prix in Melbourne next year, joining fellow Australians Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo on the grid.

Doohan replaces Esteban Ocon, who is moving to Haas next season, in an Apline seat.

The 21-year-old Doohan has been a reserve driver for Alpine for the past two years, after compatriot Piastri left the French team and joined McLaren.

“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,” Doohan said in a statement released by Alpine on Friday.

“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.”

Doohan, who father Mick is a five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion, carved a successful career in Formula 3 and Formula 2 before being Alpine’s permanent reserve driver and impressing team principal Oliver Oakes.

“We are very excited to promote Jack in to the race seat from next season,” Oakes said.

“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.”

Doohan joins Pierre Gasly as Alpine drivers for the next F1 season which starts at Albert Park from March 14-16.

The emerging Australian talent was runner-up in the 2021 F3 championship and finished third in F2 ranks last year, when he notched six wins and five pole positions.

Doohan will remain as an Alpine reserve driver for the remainder of the F1 season, which continues this weekend in the Netherlands.