Australian driver Doohan steps in early for Alpine, with Ocon set to join Haas for post-season testing.

Jack Doohan will race for Alpine in the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi, replacing Esteban Ocon. The Australian, who has already been confirmed to partner Pierre Gasly for Alpine in 2025, will step into the car a race early as part of an agreement that allows Ocon to participate in the post-season test with his new team, Haas, on 10 December.

This decision sees Ocon, who has been with Alpine for several seasons, leave the team a race before the end of his contract. Despite some tensions between Ocon and Alpine this season, including a high-profile collision with Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix, the move benefits all parties involved.

For Doohan, the race in Abu Dhabi offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience in a Grand Prix weekend ahead of his full-time debut in 2025. The 21-year-old, son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, will make his F1 race debut at his home Grand Prix in Melbourne in March 2025, but the Abu Dhabi weekend will provide a crucial taste of the action.

Ocon, meanwhile, will be free to join Haas for the post-season test, allowing him to familiarise himself with his new team and car before beginning his winter preparations.

Alpine, reflecting on Ocon’s time with the team, issued a statement acknowledging his contribution: “He will remain part of the team’s history after achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future.”

Ocon’s time at Alpine, which began in 2020, was highlighted by several strong performances, including a win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and podium finishes in Monaco (2023) and Brazil (2024). However, after the Monaco incident with Gasly, Alpine opted not to continue their relationship with Ocon beyond this season.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, set for this weekend, will see Doohan take on the challenge of stepping into a high-pressure environment just days before the season concludes. It’s a key moment for the young driver as he prepares for what could be a promising F1 career with Alpine in the future.