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Australian Formula 1 prospect Jack Doohan is looking to emulate the rapid rise of rookie Oscar Piastri in his journey to the sport’s highest level.
Serving as Alpine’s reserve driver this season, Doohan will get another opportunity behind the wheel of an F1 car at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when he stands in for Esteban Ocon in free practice one.
Son of Aussie motorcycle legend Mick, Doohan currently sits fourth in the Formula 2 drivers’ standings with only the finale in Abu Dhabi left to play out.
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The call-up creates a busy opening day for the 20-year-old at the Yas Marina Circuit with just over an hour-and-a-half between the end of F2’s practice session and the start of F1’s FP1. Doohan will then have 30 minutes to return to the F2 paddock and prepare for F2 qualifying.
Doohan has yet to confirm his plans for next year but intends to remain Alpine’s reserve driver as he builds his case for an F1 seat.
Earlier this month, the Queensland local revealed he would not be returning to F2 in 2024.
The decision comes after Doohan finished sixth in the 2022 F2 championship and second in the 2021 F3 championship.
It was thought that Doohan may represent Alpine in the 2024 World Endurance Championship with a return to F1 planned for the following year, however the line-up has since been announced with no mention of him.
As the winner of F2 in 2021, Piastri spent a year on the sidelines putting all his efforts into acting as Alpine’s third driver.
Like Piastri, it is understood that Doohan will fully embed himself in the Enstone-based squad, splitting his duties between simulator practice and travel with the team.
“Currently, I won’t be competing in F2 for next year,” Doohan said earlier this month.
“It doesn’t seem realistic, with the situation and everything that’s sort of gone on.
“I’ve made the most of it, I think we’ve done a great job with what’s been in my control. So doing [a third year] wouldn’t be much of a gain.”
While admitting that his two seasons in the second-tier class did not play out as he had hoped, Doohan believed he had done enough to show his potential.
“My two years in F2 haven’t necessarily gone exactly to plan. I’m sure everyone can say that, it never really does,” he said.
“But through that, and the bad moments, the highs, with what’s been in my control, I think I’ve done well, and been able to show my capabilities.
“Doing another year in F2, if you win it, you’re expected to [move up to F1]… There’s not much to gain. So, there’s all to lose and not much to gain.
“Currently I’ve got no direction of WEC or anything confirmed.
“I’m still very much in line of F1, the team is still pushing for that and staying within the team, and still pushing for an F1 seat. So this is my route and I’m sure I’ll get there.”
While a year outside the car could be viewed as taking a backward step, Doohan said there was plenty for him to learn by observing Alpine’s race weekend operations.
“The [Alpine F1] team are happy with the work that we’re doing, and the trajectory that we’re going for,” he said.
“The goal and the trajectory is still F1.
“I didn’t miss an F1 race this year. Obviously, that includes the 14 that I do with F2. And looking in the future, obviously, if I was to be here as well, I would be at every round, taking in everything that I can, not missing any opportunity, and continuing this progress and this progression.”
Ocon sat out his scheduled media commitments on Thursday after Alpine confirmed he was feeling unwell.
While the team expects him to be fully recovered before the grand prix, Doohan would be called up if Ocon is not fit to take part.
Doohan previously took part in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix, putting Alpine in 18th position.
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