Jack Doohan is one of the front-runners to replace Esteban Ocon at Alpine. The Enstone-based team’s instability has made it a less attractive option for free agents in the driver market. With the number of drivers interested in Alpine decreasing, Doohan is in a strong position. The Australian could represent the fresh start needed at Alpine.
It hasn’t even been twelve months since Bruno Famin became Alpine team principal. Since then, despite the internal criticisms towards Otmar Szafnauer, the team’s situation has only worsened.
The French squad is suffering setbacks both on and off track. The team’s ugly divorce from Esteban Ocon is the latest in a seemingly endless list of controversies.
With at least one driver going elsewhere in 2025 (and Pierre Gasly by no means guaranteed to extend his contract), Alpine must evaluate the options available to them.
In previous years, their status as an engine manufacturer meant they could attract big-name talent. Nico Hulkenberg, then Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso were all lured to the project at Enstone and Viry.
DOOHAN ON ALPINE SHORTLIST FOR 2025
Of course, this is no longer the case. Perhaps this is for the best, since another marquee signing could serve to maintain the scrutiny on their progression.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bruno Famin has spoken about Jack Doohan’s chances of joining the main team:
“I think he’s an option, for sure. Jack is an option, we are preparing him.
“He was testing in Zandvoort some time ago, and he has quite a heavy testing programme.
“We are happy with that, and let’s see how he develops. He’s one possibility among others, but he’s a possibility, for sure.”
There is still plenty of time before an official decision can be expected. The F1 driver market is still evolving, so making any commitments before the summer break could be premature.
No guarantee of Gasly contract extension
Instead, Bruno Famin will wait and see how the playing field evolves. An academy driver like Dohhan will always be available to Alpine should they deem his services necessary.
In the meantime, negotiations and preliminary talks elsewhere are undoubtedly underway. This also goes for Pierre Gasly, of course, who cannot be ruled out for a change in allegiance ahead of 2025.
Whilst Ocon’s relationship with the team has deteriorated, this does not mean Gasly is satisfied with his current situation.
If anything, the main difference between the Frenchman is that – prior to the Monaco incident – Ocon was already in talks with other teams. This means Alpine were willing to accelerate a process that was already set in stone.
However, should a more promising opportunity present itself, Gasly can be expected to consider new pastures.
