Doohan makes Formula 1 debut during two free practice sessions for Alpine

Motorsport.com knew about it earlier, but now Alpine has also officially announced that Doohan will make his debut during FP1 for the Mexican Grand Prix. A few weeks later, he will also be in action during the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With this, Alpine complies with the new rule requiring a young driver to drive two free practice sessions a year for a team.

Doohan is part of Alpine's Driver Academy and has already had the opportunity to drive in the F1 car on several test days. "I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in Free Practice in Mexico. It’s always a huge honour to be entrusted to drive a Formula 1 car, so to have the opportunity on a Grand Prix weekend is very special," Doohan comments on Formula1.com.

"Ultimately, the aim is to be doing this every week and this experience is another step closer to achieving that goal. I’ve prepared as best as I can, and I think it’s going to be very exciting to experience the car at this type of circuit with the high altitude and very high top speed. I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity.”

Doohan takes over from Piastri

Following the departure of F2 champion Oscar Piastri, who will make his full-time F1 debut at McLaren in 2023, Doohan is the most talked-about driver at Alpine. Actually, the Australian was supposed to drive the free practice sessions for Alpine, but due to his sudden departure, Piastri will no longer get that chance.

Team boss Otmar Szafnauer also reacts to the news: "We are very pleased to announce Jack will join the team in Mexico and take over driving duties for Free Practice 1. We have all been impressed with Jack’s progression across many areas this season and he’s deserving of this chance as we continue to nurture his high potential. It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy programme has proven to be successful in doing just that. We expect Jack to work hard during the session and take as much as he can from the experience of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.”