Jack Doohan to make Formula 1 debut at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025

Australian Talent to Make its First F1 Race

Young star of motorsport, Jack Doohan, will make this weekend his Formula 1 qualifying debut in the UAE and racing debut in what essentially is the Abu Dhabi GP. The 20-year-old Australian replaces Esteban Ocon at Alpine, specifically laying the path to, “tee up,” his foray into a full-time F1 journey along with teammate Pierre Gasly from 2025. Of key importance, this stanchion in Doohan’s journey lands him from the reserve role to the racing on the world’s series end.

A Strategic Move by Alpine

It came as part of an announcement from Alpine management earlier this week. This follows an agreement between both the teams for mutual benefits where Ocon, moving on to Haas next season, has been freed and released early to be a part of the post-season tests, to be held at the Yas Marina Circuit. The decision of the transition has been welcome according to Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes. They cited it as advantageous to have a head start with their main race driver, Jack Doohan, in the subsequent campaign of 2025.

“Getting Jack in early allows him to gain valuable experience and hit the ground running with the team in a competitive environment,” said Oakes.

Doohan’s path to Formula 1

The son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, Doohan has been Alpine’s reserve driver for over two full seasons. That time he has spent shining brightly in Formula 2, regularly proving himself one of the class acts of the series. His introduction comes at a time when Alpine is struggling to cling on to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship – worth millions in prize money. Even so, the team is confident that he can handle the pressure.

Challenges and Expectations

Doohan’s nod in Abu Dhabi comes at an important time for Alpine, who leads Haas and AlphaTauri by very slim margins in the Constructors’ standings. While recent form for Ocon has been spotty, the familiarity of Yas Marina Circuit—thanks to Formula 2 races with the circuit—could help level out the competitive balance with Doohan.

Looking Ahead

This debut serves as a springboard for the full-time F1 drive of Doohan next season. It also marks one of the fresh starts being made by Alpine, which has thanked Ocon—who delivered the team’s first F1 victory, among other results.

With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix only a few days away, attention will indeed be focused on Doohan as he takes those first steps onto Formula 1’s biggest stage. Everyone is looking to see just how the young Australian will react to such pressure at motorsport’s highest level.