Report: Jack Doohan to slide into Alpine lineup in Abu Dhabi finale

Field Level Media|published: Sun 1st December, 15:47 2024

Jun 7, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Australia BWT Alpine driver Jack Doohan (AUS) in the pit lane during the practice session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Esteban Ocon is turning over his ride for Alpine in the Formula One season finale next weekend to Jack Doohan, who will replace him with the team in 2025, The Athletic reported Sunday.

In July, Ocon signed a deal to join Haas next year. Two months later, Alpine promoted Doohan, a 21-year-old Australian, from reserve driver to full-time team member.

Doohan will be making his F1 debut, which wasn't scheduled to occur until next year. The finale will be raced in Abu Dhabi.

At the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, Alpine and Ocon's representatives agreed to a deal that would allow Ocon to get an early start with Haas, driving in the Haas car in the postseason. As part of the deal, Ocon, 28, must leave Alpine early, per The Athletic

Alpine told The Athletic that a deal still was in the works, although team principal Oliver Oakes confirmed the negotiations.

"I don't think there's been a definitive answer yet, but it has been talked about," Oakes said, per The Athletic. "It's obviously slightly complex because as much as he is ours, he is contractually a Mercedes driver as well. And obviously, he'd like to be released early as well."

"I guess you could say it's good to get Jack in early," Oakes said. "I think you could say from Esteban's side it's good to move on early. I think it suits everybody."

Ocon has 23 points, putting him in 14th place and well behind points winner Max Verstappen (429 points).

--Field Level Media

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