Jack Doohan is confirmed to make his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi GP as Esteban Ocon gets an early release to test for Haas.
As was noted and discussed in abundance after the end of the F1 Qatar GP, Alpine has confirmed that Doohan will get an early chance in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi GP to start his full-time career, in place of Ocon who relinquished his seat.
Ocon together with Mercedes and Alpine decided to end his association early with the French outfit, in order to get a test run with Haas in Abu Dhabi itself. The Frenchman joined the team in 2020 and has been part of the family for four seasons now.
He has had four podiums and win against his name in this period. For Doohan, it will be an early start alongside Pierre Gasly in Abu Dhabi where the Australian will use reserve number #61 in place of #7 that he is to use from 2025 F1 season.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Reserve Driver Jack Doohan will race in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon,” the statement said. “The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
“Jack, who has already been announced as an official driver for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, will race with the #61 as his registered Reserve Driver number and will also participate in the end-of-season test for the team at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future.”
Here’s news post-race from team, driver
Here’s how F1 Qatar GP panned out
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