The son of art Jack Doohan21 years old, Australian, heir to Mickfive-time 500cc motorcycle world champion, will lead l’Alpine in 2025 next to Pierre GaslyThe French team is taking shape also thanks to the intervention of Flavio Briatore who shortly before the summer was called as executive and personal advisor by president Luca de Meo. Among his choices, that of changing team principal: Oliver Oakes36 years old, English, will make his debut in Holland as team leader after taking over from 62 year old Frenchman Bruno Famin at the end of July.
Doohan promoted by academy
On the pilots’ side, a seat was missing: after the exit of Esteban Ocon in the direction of Haas and the attempts to persuade Carlos Sainz, who instead chose Williams (he will drive alongside Alex Albon), the manager from Cuneo has concentrated his attention on the internal youth system. Doohan grew up in the French Academy and is the first driver to reach F1 from the parent company’s school. In the last two years he has been the team’s reserve and will continue to be available to the team throughout 2024 when he will also test with previous cars.
Six victories in F2
In the intentions of Briatore and the team, Doohan and Gasly28 years old, “gives the team a balance of youth and experience in the driver training aimed at building a successful future”. Jack has distinguished himself in the youth and preparatory series for F1: 2nd in F3 in 2021 and 3rd in F2 in 2023 where he became the first driver in the history of the category to take pole position, the race win, the fastest lap and to lead every lap of a Feature Race at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. For him 6 F2 wins, 5 poles and 5 other podiums in two seasons. This year he has taken on the role of full-time reserve driver, working a lot in the simulator.
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Jack’s words
“I am very grateful for the trust and belief from the senior management of the team,” said Doohan. “There is so much work to do to be prepared and ready and in the meantime I will do my best to absorb as much information and knowledge as possible and be ready for the next step. It is exceptionally satisfying to be the first Alpine Academy graduate to earn a seat in F1. It is an emotional moment, a proud day for my family.”
Il team principal, Oakes: “We are very excited to promote Jack from next season and, in doing so, give him the opportunity to showcase his skills and talent in F1. I personally worked with Jack in 2019 and am fully aware of his talent and potential. He is a hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely appreciated by the entire team. In addition to Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination of youthful energy, experience and raw speed. We look forward to working with both Jack and Pierre to continue developing the car and bring the team to the front of the grid.”
Waiting for Mercedes
For 2025, the grid is almost completely formed. Even if important players are missing, starting with the Mercedes steering wheel that Lewis Hamilton will leave free to move to Ferrari. The Bolognese is an increasingly close candidate to replace him Kim Antonelli18 years old, who will probably make his debut with the Frecce already in Monza for the first free trials. Situations still unstable in Red Bull: Verstappen remains, but on Sergio Perez still many doubts. There is Liam Lawson22 years old, a New Zealander on the doorstep: he could replace him on the blue team or take the place of Daniel Ricciardo on Racing Bulls, next to Yuki Tsunoda. Even in Sauber the second steering wheel, next to Nico Hulkenberg (new), to be confirmed. Will Bottas still be there?
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– 2024-08-24 03:24:11
