Victor Chi
Updated on: October 7, 2024 9:29 pm GMT
Jack Doohan Earns Alpine Seat After Shoot-Out with Mick Schumacher
In a highly anticipated announcement for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Jack Doohan has been confirmed as the second race driver for the Alpine team, joining Pierre Gasly. This comes on the heels of a shoot-out test that took place in June, where Doohan and Mick Schumacher showcased their skills during a day of testing at the Paul Ricard Circuit in southern France. The decision to promote Doohan follows Esteban Ocon’s departure to Haas, marking a significant change within the team.
Testing Day Dynamics
During the test, both drivers used the 2022-spec Alpine A522 car as part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations, which allow teams to run older vehicles to gather data and experience. Doohan described the experience of competing against Schumacher, a long-time friend due to the history of their families in motorsport, as “strange.” Despite their friendship, Doohan maintained a professional mindset, focusing solely on performing at his best behind the wheel.
“For me, I kept it business. I didn’t think of it in any other way than, at the end of the day, I’m just going to hop into the car and drive as fast as I can,” Doohan reflected, emphasizing his approach to the competitive day. His preparation and determination ultimately paid off, with Alpine rewarding Doohan’s efforts by naming him as the substitute for Ocon for the upcoming season.
- Key Dates and Outcomes
- June: Shoot-out test at Paul Ricard conducted between Doohan and Schumacher.
- 2025: Doohan confirmed as second driver for Alpine, partnering Gasly.
The Path to Full-Time Racing
Doohan’s rise to a race seat in Formula 1 is notable, especially considering his previous roles, including his duties as Alpine’s reserve driver through 2024. He expressed his awareness of the competitive landscape in early 2023 and recognized the importance of being patient while waiting for an opportunity to arise. “After the first quarter of the year, I knew there was… let’s say, a rabbit to chase,” said Doohan. “There was no given task. I had to be very patient and bide my time.”
His performance in the shoot-out, combined with the strategic decision-making exhibited by Alpine, contributed to his newfound opportunity. Doohan acknowledged that while others, including Schumacher, were also vying for the seat, he was strategically positioning himself to emerge as the prime candidate. “Whatever the outcome was of that, I think I positioned myself to make sure that I was first in line to get this seat, regardless of who it was next to me,” he stated.
Schumacher’s Response and Current Tenure
For Schumacher, who has been competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) this season, the outcome represents another setback in his quest to return to full-time Formula 1 racing. Following his exit from a race seat with Haas in 2022, Schumacher has been working as a reserve driver for Mercedes and participating in races for the Alpine WEC team. Despite being overlooked for the Alpine seat, he remains optimistic about his future possibilities in the sport.
“I said it before that I won’t give up. There are still two open seats,” Schumacher remarked. He acknowledged that while the selection of Doohan made sense given his connection to the Alpine junior program, he remains committed to pursuing further opportunities within Formula 1. “For us, it is still about pushing, keep working and hopefully with a good result at the end of the year,” he added.
Additionally, the 2025 grid still holds uncertainty with only two open seats remaining, following the recent signings by other teams. Schumacher’s ambitions continue to shine through as he sets his sights on a potential role with one of the remaining teams.
Driver Dynamics and Team Future
With the signing of Doohan, Alpine appears to be embracing a youth-oriented strategy as they look to solidify their presence in Formula 1 amid a competitive landscape. The team has opted for fresh talent, pairing Doohan—a promising 21-year-old, with the more experienced Gasly, as they navigate significant changes and challenges within the sport.
Doohan’s historical performance in F3 and F2, where he was a runner-up in 2021 and finished third in 2023, underscores his potential to contribute positively to the Alpine team dynamics. As a part of the youth crew alongside Pierre Gasly, who previously drove for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, the team can capitalize on a blend of burgeoning talent and experience to enhance their competitiveness going forward.
Conclusion
Jack Doohan has just been confirmed as a driver for the Alpine team for the 2025 season. This is an important step in his career and shows that he is ready to grow and work hard with his team. As he prepares for the challenges that come with racing, both he and Schumacher show how Formula 1 is changing. In this sport, there are many chances to shine, even as drivers compete and build friendships on the track.
