Doohan promoted to full-time Alpine seat for 2025
Jack Doohan was part of Red Bull Racing's academy before joining the Alpine academy in 2022
- Published
Australian Jack Doohan will make his Formula 1 debut with Alpine in 2025 after being promoted from his role as reserve driver.
The 21-year-old son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan will partner Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who has raced for Alpine since 2023.
Doohan replaces Frenchman Esteban Ocon, who has moved to Haas after he and Alpine announced they would split.
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes, who has been in his role for less than a month, said: "Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway."
Oakes was previously boss of the HiTech team which ran Doohan in two Asian Formula 3 series in 2019.
"Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential," Oakes said.
"He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team. Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination between youthful energy, experience, and pure speed."
Doohan said it was "a proud day for my family".
He added: "I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team's senior management. There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up."
Alpine have been going through senior management turmoil for the past year, with Oakes' appointment only the latest example.
He replaced Bruno Famin as team boss, and the Frenchman himself was in the role for just a year following the departure of previous incumbent Otmar Szafnauer.
The team have also lost several other major figures in that period, either sacked or deciding to leave.
Earlier this year, former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore was appointed executive adviser, and the 74-year-old Italian is the de facto power in the team.
Briatore has advised the closing of the Renault F1 engine programme and turning the team into a customer of Mercedes. This decision has not yet been officially confirmed.