Alpine junior ready for chance in F1: 'Would be difficult to turn down'

Doohan was part of the Red Bull Junior Team until 2021, but the Australian driver made a surprise switch to the Alpine Academy after finishing second in the Formula 3 championship. Doohan has already won two Formula 2 races this season and is ninth in the championship. The young driver also has experience in a Formula 1 car, having been given the chance by Alpine to do some laps in Qatar and Monza.

With fellow driver Piastri set to leave for McLaren and Fernando Alonso signing a contract with Aston Martin, Alpine has a seat vacant for 2023. Doohan is the second oldest member of the Alpine Academy after Piastri, making him a logical successor as the F1 team's reserve driver.

Future F1 seat Doohan?

In conversation with Speedcafe.com Doohan is asked if he is ready for F1. "I think it would be very difficult to turn down the opportunity, no matter what. Luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to be able to have a little bit of experience. It definitely helped [having some time in an F1 car] rather than none, however, there’d still be a lot of learning, a lot of in-depth study to be able to make sure I was up to par with what would be needed to do that.”

The interview with Doohan took place during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, it is still uncertain who will drive alongside Esteban Ocon in 2023. Daniel Ricciardo seems to be a strong candidate now that his McLaren seat is in jeopardy, but who knows, Alpine might also be considering the F2 driver. With Piastri likely to leave, Doohan's future at Alpine is looking bright.