Jack Doohan has responded to speculation over his future at Alpine, with the Australian stating that he is keen to get started and “cement my place” in the sport.
Doohan – who had long served as a reserve driver for the squad – was confirmed as part of the team’s 2025 line-up back in August, the 22-year-old stepping up to replace the Haas-bound Esteban Ocon as Pierre Gasly’s team mate.
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After Ocon departed with one race to spare at the end of 2024, Doohan was then given an earlier-than-expected first outing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race that he finished in 15th place.
But while the young driver has been preparing for his first full season, questions have already started to emerge over his future following Alpine’s decision to sign former Williams super-sub Franco Colapinto on a multi-year deal as one of the team’s test and reserve drivers.
Doohan made his debut for Alpine in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race he ended in P15
Team Principal Oliver Oakes has played down the speculation, insisting that Doohan will get a “fair crack” in 2025 and that Colapinto’s signing is part of a move to “give the team options further down the line” rather than putting pressure on Doohan’s shoulders.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 at the Autosport Awards in London, Doohan was quizzed on how keen he was to get his season started and prove himself in light of the rumours.
“I’m very motivated,” the driver from Queensland said. “I look forward, to be honest, to just getting on track and doing the work with my hands and my feet and steering that car as best as I can.”
Doohan has already been ensconced in preparations for the campaign, having spent time at the factory as well as undertaking wider engagements. Asked if it has been nice to be a part of the F1 world, Doohan responded: “Yeah, for sure. It’s a super special time for me, I’m stoked to be a part of it.”
Team Principal Oliver Oakes has insisted that Doohan will get a «fair crack» at Alpine in 2025
The Australian will be one of six rookies making their full-time debut in 2025, a year in which a number of other high-profile driver moves have taken place including Lewis Hamilton’s shock switch to Ferrari.
When pushed on whether this makes it a good time to come into the sport, Doohan reflected: “For sure, it’s super special. I’ve been watching these guys ever since I was a little boy, especially Lewis.
“So to be coming in to be one of the 20 drivers on the grid, it’s super special and I look forward to just cementing my place here for the future.”
Doohan will join the rest of the grid at the F1 75 Live season launch event at London’s The O2 on February 18, before getting behind the wheel of his 2025 car at pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 26-28.
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