BWT Alpine F1 Team have confirmed that their highly rated academy driver, Jack Doohan, will make his Grand Prix weekend debut in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship this weekend in Mexico City.
The Australian driver will replace Esteban Ocon in the first practice session around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico’s capital. It has also been confirmed by the team that he will take the wheel at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a part of their two mandatory rookie practice obligations.
At just nineteen years of age, this will be Doohan’s second outing in the A522 as he had driven the same car at the teams restricted filming day back in September around the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
The rookie joined the Alpine Academy back in January after he finished runner up in last season’s FIA Formula 3 Championship. For 2022, he made the step up to FIA Formula 2 and has so far claimed three race wins, as well as a further three podiums and three pole positions with just one race remaining in Abu Dhabi in November.
Doohan is now aiming to secure third place in F2 this season as well as top rookie in the championship. With aspirations of one day being able to make it into F1, the Aussie now has the opportunity to impress in Mexico.
“I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in Free Practice in Mexico. It’s always a huge honour to be entrusted to drive a Formula 1 car, so to have the opportunity on a Grand Prix weekend is very special. Ultimately, the aim is to be doing this every week and this experience is another step closer to achieving that goal.
“I’ve prepared as best as I can, and I think it’s going to be very exciting to experience the car at this type of circuit with the high altitude and very high top speed.
“I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity.”
Alpine’s Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, congratulated Doohan on getting the opportunity to drive in free practice one as he praised the rookie’s potential and the teams academy programme.
“We are very pleased to announce Jack will join the team in Mexico and take over driving duties for Free Practice 1. We have all been impressed with Jack’s progression across many areas this season and he’s deserving of this chance as we continue to nurture his high potential.
“It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy programme has proven to be successful in doing just that. We expect Jack to work hard during the session and take as much as he can from the experience of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.”
