Jack Doohan to make F1 debut in Mexico free practice
Alpine academy driver Jack Doohan will make his official Formula One debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix as part of the team's junior driver commitments.
Jack Doohan will take part in Free Practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix with Alpine. (Alpine Racing)
Doohan will drive Esteban Ocon's Alpine A522 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, his second time in the car after taking part in a 100km filming day at Monza in September.
"I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in Free Practice in Mexico," said Doohan.
"It’s always a huge honour to be entrusted to drive a Formula 1 car, so to have the opportunity on a Grand Prix weekend is very special."
"Ultimately, the aim is to be doing this every week and this experience is another step closer to achieving that goal."
Jack Doohan with father, five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan. (Alpine Racing)
The Australian's testing regime has stepped up with leading Alpine junior and countryman Oscar Piastri joining the 2023 Formula 1 grid with McLaren.
He has completed significant laps in last year's Alpine A521, getting behind the wheel in three private tests with the team in Qatar, Monza, and Budapest.
"I’ve prepared as best as I can, and I think it’s going to be very exciting to experience the car at this type of circuit with the high altitude and very high top speed."
"I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity."
Doohan joined Alpine in January after finishing as runner-up in the 2021 FIA Formula 3 championship, and has claimed three race wins and three podiums in the 2022 FIA Formula 2 season.
"We have all been impressed with Jack’s progression across many areas this season and he’s deserving of this chance as we continue to nurture his high potential," said Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal.
"It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy programme has proven to be successful in doing just that."
"We expect Jack to work hard during the session and take as much as he can from the experience of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend."
The Mexico City Grand Prix takes place 28-30 October. with Doohan to drive for the entire hour of Free Practice 1 at 5am Saturday 29 October (AEST).
