Schumacher and Doohan to battle for Alpine seat pending Sainz decision

While Mick Schumacher already has 44 grands prix to his name, Jack Doohan is still awaiting his official Formula 1 debut. 

The Australian has made several appearances during free practice, but has yet to get a full race weekend opportunity. 

Still, the 21-year-old son of five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan stands a good chance of being on the grid in 2025. In fact, Alpine plans to compare Schumacher and Doohan on Wednesday. Thus, both drivers will have a chance to prove themselves, with the goal of a seat in Formula 1. 

An important day for both Schumacher and Doohan, but at the same time both drivers are still awaiting Carlos Sainz. Indeed, as RacingNews365 had previously reported, Alpine is trying to do everything possible to bring in Sainz. 

Logically, given his performance and experience, the Spaniard is higher on the list than Schumacher and Doohan.

It is still unclear, however, whether Alpine will actually succeed in bringing in Sainz. To avoid any surprises, the team led by Bruno Famin is picking through and has a second plan ready to go.

Should Sainz not come, Alpine seems to be opting for the future. In doing so, Schumacher has the most experience in Formula 1, but Doohan has made a big contribution to Alpine over the past year. Something that has not gone unnoticed by the team.

Doohan has been the team's test and reserve driver since 2023, and in that role he works through simulator tests at the factory during race weekends. He also completed several test days, as he once again did in Zandvoort. 

During those days, the Australian left a strong impression and is even more emphatically in the picture to become Ocon's replacement in 2025. 

Despite the fact that Alpine's test day is not officially considered a shoot-out, the stakes are certainly high at Paul Ricard. At the same time, however, Sainz also forms a key role here, as the Spaniard does in the choices of Audi and Williams. 

Remarkably, the battle between Schumacher and Doohan is also one between two friends. Michael Schumacher is good friends with Mick Doohan, which automatically also brought the sons of these two greats into contact with each other at a young age. 

When the visor goes down, however, there will be no talk of friendship for a while. Both drivers have to make their mark.