Jack Doohan to make F1 debut with FP1 appearance for Alpine at Mexico City Grand Prix

25 October 2022

Jack Doohan is set to make his first Formula 1 outing this weekend, as the Virtuosi driver will be getting behind the wheel of Alpine’s A522 in Free Practice 1 on Friday.

Taking over driving duties from Esteban Ocon, the team have confirmed that the 19-year-old's maiden F1 appearance at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will be followed up by a second showing in the final FP1 session of the season in Abu Dhabi, alongside Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich, and American-racer Logan Sargeant.

This Friday's session will also feature Sargeant in action for Williams, whilst his Carlin teammate Liam Lawson will have his second outing for AlphaTauri.

Looking ahead to his debut in the opening session of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, Doohan noted how the ‘unique’ experience would help him develop on his potential pathway to F1 in the future.

“I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in Free Practice in Mexico,” said Doohan. “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.”

Doohan joined the Alpine Academy this year off the back of his 2021 Formula 3 campaign, where he finished Vice-Champion. Having previously driven last year’s A521 car during several private tests, the Australian got his first taste of the 2022 machinery during Alpine’s filming day in Monza last month.

With three wins, six podiums and three pole positions to his name, Doohan currently sits fourth in the F2 Drivers’ Championship heading into the final round in Yas Marina next month. His sights are set on hunting down third and taking the honours of being crowned top rookie.

Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer added: “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.”