Doohan “an option” for Alpine

As Alpine evaluates the driver market, boss Bruno Famin has described Aussie Jack Doohan “as an option” to replace Esteban Ocon.

Ocon will leave the team at the end of 2024, whilst teammate Pierre Gasly is yet to confirm his future beyond this year.

Waiting in the wings has been Doohan, who has been the reserve driver at the French team in both 2023 and 2024.

The 21-year-old took over the role from compatriot Oscar Piastri following the latter’s announcement he will race at McLaren.

Over that time Doohan has made five Free Practice appearances starting at Mexico in 2022 before returning at the Abu Dhabi finale.

He drove at the same races in 2023 before getting a go at the recent Canadian Grand Prix albeit with minimal mileage due to heavy rain.

Last year Doohan also impressed to snare third in the FIA Formula 2 championship with three wins.

In 2024 Doohan has focused on his reserve driver role with the Alpine Formula 1 team and is believed to be one of the candidates to replace Ocon.

Speaking with Sky Sports F1, Famin confirmed Doohan is definitely a leading contender.

“I think he’s an option, for sure – Jack is an option,” he said.

“We’re preparing him. He has a quite heavy testing programme, and we are happy with that. Let’s see how he develops. 

“He’s one possibility among others, but he’s one possibility for sure.”

When pressed to name a favourite for the seat, Famin kept his cards close to his chest.

“There is no (favourite) I won’t comment, I won’t answer that one. Well tried,” he replied.

Having been part of the Alpine program since 2022, Doohan himself feels “ready” for the step up to Formula 1 and reaffirmed his commitment to join the likes of Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo at the top level.

“It’s difficult to say anything with Formula 1 is for certain,” he said. 

“My dream is to be on the grid, my dream is to be in Formula 1. “I’m here with the team as a reserve driver preparing myself to be in the car.

“That is where I want to be, and every time I get to do that, whether it’s the sim or on track, experiencing myself with marketing, in comms, I’m trying to position myself to get that opportunity. 

“Nothing is for certain, there’s no givens, but I want to be there.”

Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix.

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