Alpine's Doohan Pursues Intense F1 Testing Plan

Jack Doohan ramps up his F1 testing, eyeing a spot as Alpine braces for a pivotal decision on Sainz.

Jack Doohan is experiencing a hectic period which will see him pilot numerous F1 cars.

Alpine F1’s reserve driver, Doohan, was in action during last weekend’s British Grand Prix, taking over the Free Practice 1 from Pierre Gasly.

This followed a test outing in one of the team’s 2022 cars at Paul Ricard alongside Mick Schumacher, with more to come.

This weekend, the Australian took the wheel of a Lotus E20 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a car driven to victory by Kimi Raikkonen at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“Yes, more days with 2022 F1 cars are planned post-Goodwood,” Doohan confirmed to Speedcafe.

“I’ll have two days at Silverstone in an A522 before Budapest.”

“Then, post Budapest and before Spa, I’ll be at Imola, followed by a Pirelli tyre test at Spa too – and the day before, I’ll also be in an A522 there.”

“We’re extremely busy as we approach next season. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the summer break!”

Doohan remains a contender for the only remaining seat at Alpine. He is a leading figure in the Enstone team’s driver academy, which should place him at the front of the queue for the seat.

However, Schumacher, a driver in Alpine’s World Endurance Championship team and a Mercedes reserve driver, is also in the running.

Yet both men could be pipped at the post by Carlos Sainz, who has received a last-minute proposal from Flavio Briatore. His interest is tied to the team securing a Mercedes engine deal for 2026, thereby marking the end of Renault engine development for the new era of F1.

Asked about his chances of joining F1 in 2025, Doohan – managed by Briatore – stated: “they are greater than ever. Not everything is in my hands in terms of decision-making but I am committed to delivering my best on the simulator and on track.”