Doohan confirmed as Alpine F1 Reserve Driver

Australia’s Jack Doohan has officially been promoted into Alpine’s Formula 1 Reserve seat for 2023 after last year making for F1 practice session debut.

The 20-year-old Virtuosi F2 racer made his F1 practice debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix in 2022, driving Estaban Ocon’s A522, as well as making an appearance at Abu Dhabi in the F1 season closer.

The Gold Coast born resident and son of 500cc legend Mick Doohan, replaces compatriot Oscar Piastri as Alpine reserve, with his switch into a seat at McLaren F1.

Jack Doohan driving the Alpine F1 Team’s A522 at last year’s Yas Marina post season testing

Doohan will work in parallel with his F2 commitments for this season, and will of course benefit from both private and on track testing.

“I’m really looking forward to working alongside Esteban and Pierre this year, It’s an extremely strong duo for the team,” Doohan said. 

“Both will provide good data and help in the development of a fast car. For my part, I want to acquire as much experience as possible with them over the course of the year. 

For Doohan’s approach this season, it will mentally similar to last year, plus getting to know a new teammate.

“I already started working with Esteban last year, notably in the framework of my two appearances in FP1 sessions. I don’t know Pierre yet, so it will be great to meet him and learn from him.

Doohan was annouced as Alpine Reserve Driver at the official Launch of the team’s A523

“I have to be reliable and regular whilst knowing how to adapt quickly, and I’ll have the advantage of being able to stay sharp as I am engaged this season in Formula 2. 

“I will do my best to help the F1 team with my feedback on my sessions. These may be minor details, but I hope I can pass on some good information.”

From local and international Karting, Doohan made his first step up into F4 via the British and German ADAC season in 2018, taking three wins in the British F4 with TRS Arden Junior Racing Team.

Much of his 2019 season was spent in Asia, as well as competing in the EuroFormula Open Championship.

He took two consecutive second place finishes over two years at the Asian Championship, racing against many of the F2 drivers he currently competes against.

Two years in the FIA Formula 3 saw him four races in his second year, also juggling some F2 appearances in that 2021 season.

His first full year in F2 in 2022 had him juggling Alpine Academy duties, driving in F1 practice sessions, and competing at the front of the F2 field with three wins for a sixth place finish.

If not for a string of unfortunate DNF’s at the end of the year, he most certainly would have finished higher, and challenged Logan Sargeant for rookie of the year.

Doohan is currently testing the Virtuosi F2 car at Sakhir ahead of round one of the F2 and F1 champion in Bahrain on March 3-5.

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