Australian driver Jack Duhan has already been confirmed to race in Formula 1 with Pierre Gasly from the Alpine team in 2025. However, their debut will be made in the final race of 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
The decision to bring Duhan into the team early is part of an agreement between the Alpine and Hus teams, which will allow Alpine’s current driver Esteban Ocon to drive for the Hus team for the Abu Dhabi post- season test on 10 December.
Ocon’s contract with Alpine runs until the end of the year, but releasing him before the last race has benefited both parties.
This will allow Duhan to experience a Grand Prix race before the first race of next season. The experience will be important for them as their home Grand Prix will be held in Melbourne on March 14-16.
On the other hand, it will be an opportunity for Ocon to introduce his new team and car from Huss. This will be useful for them before winter preparations.
Relations between Ocon and the Alpine team have been strained this season. Alpine decided not to extend Ocon’s contract this season after a collision with Gasly in the first round at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Alpine said in its official statement, “Esteban has secured Alpine’s first Formula 1 title and will remain part of the team’s history. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Esteban Ocon won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and secured two additional podium finishes for the Alpine over a five- year period. They finished third in Monaco in 2023 and second in Brazil this year. He also had success with the team known as Alpine’s predecessor, Renault.
Duhan’s appointment will be significant for Alpine. Jack Doohan is the son of five- time MotoGP World Champion Mick Doohan and has experience in extremely fast and competitive racing. Alpine’s choice gives him the chance to achieve even greater success in Formula 1 in the future.
This decision will be mutually beneficial for Alpine and Hus. On the one hand, Duhan is getting a chance to prepare for his Formula 1 race debut, while on the other hand, Ocon will coordinate with the Hus team to prepare for his winter preparations.
