F1 News: Jack Doohan Solidifies His Intent to Replace Esteban Ocon

As Esteban Ocon prepares to exit Alpine F1 at the end of this season, reserve driver Jack Doohan is positioning himself as a formidable successor for the soon-to-be-vacant race seat. Within Alpine’s team dynamics, while Pierre Gasly's future remains somewhat in flux though likely stable, it's Doohan's assertive strides towards readiness that capture the current attention.

Harnessing opportunities to test in Alpine's prior season cars and log hours in simulations at Enstone, Doohan has not only honed his technical skills but has also immersed himself in the operational beat of a Formula 1 race weekend. His stint in the first free practice session this season in Montreal, albeit dampened by rain, was a critical real-world application of his accumulating experience.

Doohan, with a palpable drive towards a full-time seat, shared his enthusiasm and strategic vision with SpeedCity Broadcasting, via RACER.

"It’s obviously a great opportunity, it’s my dream to be in Formula 1 and I want to be on the grid next year.” He further acclaims his growing bond with Alpine. “If the opportunity presents itself here then that would be amazing. I’ve been building and growing with this team now for the last three years, so it would be a great transition.”

His technical and operational readiness is echoed in his proactive involvement:

“I went testing a lot in the 2021 machinery and also 2022, so I feel more ready than ever. I felt extremely comfortably coming in as well, so it’ll be a natural transition. But I’ll keep my head down, I’m here as a reserve driver.”

Yet, his strategic approach remains methodically patient: “I’m taking it day-by-day and if everything aligns then great. But I’ll just keep working and make sure that I maximize my job on track when I get the opportunity. And off the track whether that’s in the sim..."

While acknowledging the uncertainties of F1's ever-evolving landscape, Doohan is not swayed by the pressures of a distant future.

"Really we’re not even looking too far into the future. There’s so much to be decided and so much happening as we all know, so we’re really taking it, honestly, day-by-day, and session-by-session." Confidently, he adds, "I think with things happening sooner rather than later that will all fall into place in due course."

Doohan's meticulous, measured approach to his career echoes a philosophy of adaptability and measured anticipation. As Alpine contemplates its lineup for the 2025 season, Doohan's evolving role suggests an organic fit, aiming not only to fill Ocon’s shoes but perhaps to carve out his own distinct path in Formula 1. As the season advances, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the young Australian, whose ambitions are matched fervently by his ongoing commitment to the rigors and triumphs of motorsport’s pinnacle.