Jack Doohan: On the Fast Track to Alpine Formula 1 Team in 2025
Jack Doohan, born on January 20, 2003, in Gold Coast, Australia, is a rising star in the world of motorsport, currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. As the son of Mick Doohan, a legendary five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion, Jack has racing in his blood. His career began in karting, where he quickly showcased his innate talent and competitive spirit, leading to success in various Australian championships.
Progressing from karting, Jack moved into single-seater racing, competing in the F4 British Championship in 2018. His impressive performances there, including multiple podium finishes, marked him as a driver to watch. In 2019, he captured the F3 Asian Championship Winter Series title, further cementing his reputation as a formidable racer. His transition to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020 and 2021 saw him driving for HWA Racelab and Trident, respectively. In 2021, Jack's four race wins, and consistent top finishes secured him second place in the championship standings, underscoring his readiness for the next level.
This time 21-year-old driver has a chance to claw his way into the one of prestigious seats in motorsport, driving in Formula 1.
The Early Years and Karting Success
Jack Doohan's racing career began in karting, where he quickly demonstrated his natural talent and competitive spirit. He participated in various karting championships, such as the Australian Karting Championship in 2015 and 2016, which the young Australian won both. In 2017, he finished third in the CIK-FIA Karting European Championship scoring 71 points. Thereby, garnering attention with his speed and racecraft. His success in karting laid a strong foundation for his transition to single-seater racing. And in 2018, we would see the young Doohan begin his single-seater career in Formula 4.
From F4 to F3: Climbing the Ladder
In 2018, Jack debuted in single-seater racing at the F4 British Championship with the Arden team at the age of 15. Despite being a rookie, he secured multiple podium finishes including three wins, at Thruxton, Snetterton and Silverstone. Ending the season in a respectable fifth place in the standings with 328 points. And became Rookie Champion of the Year. This performance showcased his potential and paved the way for his move to the next level.
In 2019, Jack competed in the F3 Asian Championship Winter Series, finishing second. But his endeavour in Formula 3 did not stop Doohan from clinching five race wins, accumulating 276 points, 25 points away from championship winner, Ukyo Sasahara. This success was a clear indicator of his readiness for more challenging competitions. Later that year, he joined the FIA Formula 3 Championship with HWA Racelab, gaining invaluable experience in a highly competitive field, winning six races but coming runner-up again in the championship, 37 points behind Joey Alders.
The 2021 season was a turning point for Jack. Driving for Trident in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, he secured four race wins at Paul Ricard, Spa-Francorchamps and around the Sochi Autodrom. But again, the young Australian could not taste the top step of the championship because, for the third time in his Formula 3 career, he finished second in the championship standings, 26 points shy of Dennis Hauger. But Doohan’s calibre and his ability to consistently deliver strong performances against a talented grid-like Formula 3 highlighted his readiness for a seat amongst the grid of Formula 2.
The Formula 2 Campaign
In 2021, Jack Doohan leapt the FIA Formula 2 Championship, signing with MP Motorsport at the final two rounds of the season beginning at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Formula 2 is renowned as the proving ground for future Formula 1 stars, and Jack's performances here would be critical in shaping his career trajectory. He quickly adapted to the new challenge, showcasing his skill, speed, and racecraft. His best finish of the weekend was fifth in the second sprint race. And scored points again in the second sprint race in the final grand prix weekend in Abu Dhabi, finishing eighth.
Jack's tenure in Formula 2 has been marked by impressive results, including race wins and podium finishes in 2022 at Virtuosi Racing. Winning the Sprint Race in Silverstone and Hungary including undercutting the race leader Felipe Drugovich to take his ever Feature Race win in Spa. For his first full year in Formula 2, the Australian achieved an impressive 128 points and finished sixth in the championship. But again, this would only serve as fuel to add to Doohan’s fire as he creates more of an impression in the 2023 season of Formula 2.
Still driving for Virtuosi Racing, Jack secured multiple podium finishes and clinched three spectacular Feature Race wins. Jack's ability to adapt quickly to different tracks and conditions highlighted his versatility and racing intelligence. Notably, his victories at Hungary, Spa, and Abu Dhabi all of which were a testament to his skill, where he executed incredible race results, from perfect starts to commanding finishes. Jack’s 2023 season in Formula 2 not only demonstrated his readiness for the next level but also captivated fans and experts, fuelling anticipation for his future in Formula 1.
The Alpine Connection
Alpine, formerly known as Renault, has a rich history in Formula 1 and a reputation for nurturing young talent. The Alpine Academy, the team's driver development program, has been instrumental in bringing promising drivers into the realm of Formula 1. Jack Doohan's performances in the junior categories have not gone unnoticed, and there is a clear path for him to join the Alpine ranks. And with Jack Doohan behind the wheel of the Alpine at the Canadian Grand Prix, it boasts that Alpine is keeping a close eye on the young Australian. Potentially to drive for the Enstone team in the future? Or potentially next season?
Alpine’s Strategic Vision
Alpine’s current driver line-up includes Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, both talented and experienced drivers. However, Formula 1 teams are always looking ahead, planning for future competitiveness and sustainability. By 2025, Alpine will seek to infuse new energy into the team, maybe with a young, dynamic driver like Jack Doohan, as Esteban Ocon has revealed he will leave the team at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season. His youth, talent, and potential for growth align perfectly with Alpine’s strategic vision.
