WHO IS JACK DOOHAN? AUSTRALIAN ALPINE DRIVER TO FEATURE AT F1 GRAND PRIX IN MELBOURNE
The future of Australian motorsport is in good hands, with several emerging young drivers achieving racing success around the world.
Jack Doohan is one of those talented individuals, and he's not far away from potentially earning a seat in Formula 1.
The Sporting News takes a closer look at the 21-year-old from the Gold Coast.
MORE: How to watch the F1 Australian Grand Prix
Jack Doohan career history, progression
It has been a speedy ascent for Doohan in the elite motorsport scene.
He competed in go-karting events until 2017 before he made the move to F4, taking part in the British Championship in 2018.
His strong performances saw him promoted to the F3 Asian Championship the next year, where he finished second in the 2019/20 season.
A move to the FIA F3 Championship followed, where Doohan struggled in his maiden season.
However, a switch from HWA Racelab to Trident in 2021 paid dividends, with the Australian finishing second and earning a promotion to F2, where he raced for two full years with Virtuosi.
He finished sixth and third in 2022 and 2023, respectively, recording three race wins and five podiums in his final year with the team.
Who does Jack Doohan currently race for?
Doohan does not have a full-time seat in any racing series.
Currently, he is employed by Alpine as a reserve driver for their F1 team.
This sees him travel with the team to most Grands Prix, where he is on standby to fill in for either Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly if needed.
Doohan is also involved with testing and simulation.
MORE: Who is Daniel Ricciardo racing for in 2024?
He made his F1 debut in 2022 when he jumped behind the wheel for Alpine during the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix.
The academy talent has participated in three more practice sessions since.
Will Jack Doohan race in Formula 1?
As it stands, Doohan does not have a guaranteed future seat in F1.
With only 20 spots up for grabs each season, the young Australian's work is cut out for him as he tries to prove himself against the world's best.
However, he is in a promising spot as Alpine's official reserve driver.
If either of the two current full-time drivers change teams or leave the sport, he will almost certainly be considered for the seat.
Notably, fellow Australian Oscar Piastri – who earned a move to McLaren last year – was also an Alpine Academy member and reserve driver.
Is Jack Doohan related to Mick Doohan?
Yes, Jack is the son of motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan.
Mick enjoyed a successful career, claiming five consecutive 500c World Championships and picking up 54 victories in his time in the series.
MORE: Which driver has the most podium finishes in F1 history?
Despite his father's achievements on two wheels, Jack opted to focus on racing in four-wheeled vehicles.
In fact, he was discouraged from pursuing a career in motorcycling after an accident at a young age.
When are the Jack and Mick Doohan demonstration laps at the F1 Australian Grand Prix?
Jack and Mick will take to the Albert Park track together for a demonstration run during this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
Jack will be driving a 2000-spec Benetton B200 Formula 1 machine, while his father will take to the track on a production MotoGP Honda RCV213.
Their demonstration laps are scheduled for 9:55 am and 3:15 pm on Saturday, March 23, and 1:35 pm on Sunday, March 24 (all times in AEDT).
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