Doohan 'exceptionally satisfied' by making Alpine F1 history

Jack Doohan has described his promotion to a full-time F1 seat with Alpine as "exceptionally satisfying" after becoming the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to do so.

Reserve and test driver Doohan was fancied as the favourite to sign for the team since it was announced that Esteban Ocon would be leaving earlier in the year, with the Australian taking part in two FP1 sessions in Canada and Britain. 

In promoting Doohan, Alpine has become the last F1 team to hand a driver from its academy a grand prix seat, with Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Williams all previously having done so. 

Alpine had planned to promote Oscar Piastri into a 2023 race seat, but after failures in his contract, the 2021 F2 champion signed for McLaren instead.

Doohan could become the third Australian on the grid, following Piastri and potentially Daniel Ricciardo, should he be able to keep a seat on the grid. 

Doohan promoted to F1

Reflecting on his promotion, Doohan was effused by the support senior Alpine management have shown him, despite multiple changes, including Oliver Oakes coming in as team principal. 

"I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with Alpine F1 Team," he said.

"I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management. 

"There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up.

"It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality.

"It's an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.”