Doohan road to F1 2025 revs up with Canada FP1 duty for Alpine

Ocon's demise aka departure from Alpine opens the door for the 21-year-old Doohan, son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, for a seat on the grid next year, as the top driver in the French team's Academy. The same one that developed Oscar Piastri for F1.

But with Piastri gone, their other Aussie is ready and eager to step up. Part of his road to an F1 seat in 2025 begins with FP1 duty at the Canadian Grand Prix, on Friday. Ocon will sit out the session.

Alpine team principal Bruno Famin confirmed in their Montreal F1 weekend preview: "In Canada, we have decided to use the first mandatory young driver Free Practice 1, with Jack Doohan in the car in place of Esteban, giving him the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the A524. With Jack’s great work in the simulator in recent races, we can count on his valuable feedback in Montréal."

Unlike Piastri who was Champion in just about every series he raced, Doohan's career has not been packed with titles. In fact he has not been champion in any car racing series he entered. He finished P3 in the 2023 in his second year contesting the Formula 2 Championship.

In 2024 Doohan has been on the sidelines as the F1 reserve for Alpine, biding his time providing insights for F1TV with a maturity that belies his age.

Of his forthcoming FP1 opportunity, Doohan said: "Really excited to get out on track in Montréal for FP1. It will be my first time driving at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, which I am looking forward to.

"I am grateful to the team for the opportunity to get more track time, and also familiarise myself with 2024 machinery early in the season. This will also help with the work I am doing in the simulator, particularly at the European rounds.

"My focus will be on doing the best for the team and maximising the session for both drivers, looking at certain test items and understanding the new track surface," added the Aussie.

Doohan has previously participated in four F1 rookie Free Practice sessions, driving the Alpine A522 and the A523 at the Mexico City Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2022 and 2023.

Should Doohan indeed make it into F1, he will join 20 compatriots who have competed in the top flight. Currently, Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo are two Australian drivers on the current grid.