Alpine's Aussie Jack Doohan to make F1 debut

Australian Jack Doohan will make his Formula One debut for Alpine at next weekend's Abu Dhabi season-ender, as a replacement for the departing Esteban Ocon.

The Renault-owned team confirmed the move on Monday, saying Ocon had been released early to join Haas and would be replaced by the outfit's reserve driver Doohan, the 21-year-old son of Australian motorcycle racing great Mick.

Doohan has already been announced as one of Alpine's two drivers for next year, alongside Frenchman Pierre Gasly, with the 2025 season to start in Melbourne.

"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," Alpine said in a statement.

"The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi."

Alpine said Doohan would carry his registered reserve driver number of 61, and would participate in the end-of-season test for the team at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit.

Team boss Oliver Oakes had on Sunday said Alpine was keen to "get Jack in early" and that "from Esteban's side, it's good to move on early".

"I think it suits everybody. So I think the discussion is quite natural really," he said, adding Doohan would be able to "get those butterflies gone now rather than next year in Australia".

Ocon's early exit will allow him to test for Haas in Abu Dhabi after the season-ender.

Alpine are sixth overall on this year's constructors' championship and only five points clear of nearest rivals Haas.

Ocon retired from last Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix after colliding with Haas's Nico Hulkenberg and Williams' Franco Colapinto. Gasly finished a strong fifth.

"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," the Alpine statement said. "We wish Esteban the best for the future."