Jack Doohan ascends to F1 with Alpine in 2025. As his father, motorcycle legend Mick, tells Adam Cooper, racing is in the blood – but nepotism has nothing to do with it
Amid the inevitable noise around the impending arrival of Andrea Kimi Antonelli on the Formula 1 grid his fellow 2025 rookie Jack Doohan landed an Alpine seat – replacing Esteban Ocon – with considerably less fanfare.
It’s a situation that suits the quietly spoken 21-year-old Australian just fine, and one that will potentially allow him to do his learning a little under the radar – although the spotlight will definitely be on him when he makes his debut on home ground in Melbourne. And no one will be prouder that weekend than Mick Doohan, five-time 500cc MotoGP world champion (1994-98), the man who has steered his son to the top level of a very different sport.
Motorcycle legend Mick Doohan has championed his son Jack’s move to Formula 1, particularly as Jack joins Alpine’s driver lineup for the 2025 season. Jack, previously Alpine’s reserve driver, will now partner Pierre Gasly as part of Alpine’s strategy to rejuvenate the team with fresh talent. Mick’s dedication to Jack’s career has been substantial, supporting his transition from junior karting into the upper echelons of motorsport. Jack acknowledged the profound influence and sacrifices his father made to help him reach this milestone in F1
Jack’s progression to a full-time role followed a path of resilience, marked by tough decisions and setbacks, including leaving the Red Bull junior program to join Alpine’s developing academy—a risky move that ultimately provided a clearer path to F1. During a challenging 2024 season, Alpine’s new leadership under Team Principal Oliver Oakes and involvement from Flavio Briatore at Enstone created momentum for Jack’s promotion. His consistency, skill, and reliability, particularly during testing sessions and simulator work, solidified Alpine’s confidence in his capabilities
Mick Doohan has expressed pride in Jack’s achievements, but he also understands the challenges Jack will face in F1. With Alpine undergoing structural changes, Jack’s blend of youth and dedication could be instrumental in the team’s performance, aligning with Alpine’s goals of long-term competitiveness. Mick’s faith in Jack’s potential, coupled with Alpine’s structured support, highlights why both father and team believe Jack is well-suited to tackle the complexities of Formula 1 as he joins the 2025 grid.
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