Third Aussie joins F1 grid in 2025

Australia’s Jack Doohan has been announced as Alpine F1 Team’s newest driver after being promoted to a full-time drive for the 2025 season.
The son of Aussie 500cc motorcycle legend Mick, Doohan has been a member of the team’s junior academy since 2022 after moving across from Red Bull’s junior pathway.
The sudden departure of fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri from the set-up ahead of the 2023 season saw Doohan signed as the team’s reserve and test driver.
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Jack Doohan attends the Las Vegas Grand Prix with Alpine F1. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Replacing Esteban Ocon, Doohan will partner Pierre Gasly at the French constructor on a one-year contract.
The 21-year-old will join Piastri on the grid next season while compatriot Daniel Ricciardo remains in the conversation to retain his seat at RB.
Only once have three Australians shared the grid — Alan Jones (Surtees), Larry Perkins (Brabham) and one-time starter Warwick Brown (Wolf-Williams) at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in 1976.
The Gold Coast local finished third in last year’s F2 championship, with three race wins to his name. In 2021 he was the runner-up in the F3 championship.
Doohan had been linked to the vacant seat at Alpine throughout 2024, but the rumour mill intensified when Ocon signed with Haas in July.
“I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team,” Doohan said.
Formual 2 race winner Jack Doohan.  Getty
“I am very grateful for the trust and belief of 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.”
Having previously worked with Doohan in in Asian F3, newly appointed Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes was thrilled with the announcement.
“We are very excited to promote Jack into the race seat from next season and, in doing so, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skill and talent in Formula 1,” he said.
Jack Doohan and Mick Doohan during qualifying ahead of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. Getty
“Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway.
“Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential. He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team.
“Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination of youthful energy, experience, and pure speed.
“We look forward to working with both Jack and Pierre in order to keep developing the car and bring the team up the grid.”