Ocon Steps Aside: Jack Doohan Set for Abu Dhabi F1 Debut

Talk about a surprise lineup change—Alpine is shaking things up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by letting Esteban Ocon step aside early and giving Jack Doohan his F1 race debut. The young Aussie is getting his shot to prove he’s ready for the big leagues, and fans are buzzing about what this means for both drivers.

Ocon’s early exit isn’t due to drama, though. The Frenchman has wrapped up his commitments with Alpine ahead of his 2025 move to Haas, giving the team a chance to spotlight Doohan as part of their next-gen talent development. Alpine’s team boss praised Ocon for his contributions, saying, “Esteban has been a key part of our journey, and we wish him the best for what’s next.”

But let’s focus on Doohan. Son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, Jack has already shown serious potential in F2. Now, he’s diving into the deep end of F1, facing off against seasoned pros at one of the trickiest tracks on the calendar. Talk about trial by fire!

Doohan seems ready for the challenge, though. “It’s a dream come true to make my F1 debut,” he said, adding that he’s been preparing for this moment for years. He’s aware of the high rookie standards set by drivers like Oscar Piastri, but he’s not letting the pressure get to him. “I’ll give it my all and soak up every second,” he promised.

As for Alpine, this move isn’t just about giving Doohan a shot—it’s also a signal of their commitment to the future. With Ocon moving on and Pierre Gasly leading the team, they’re clearly betting on fresh talent to help turn things around after a rocky 2024 season.

The Abu Dhabi finale is shaping up to be more than just the last race of the year—it’s a glimpse into what’s next for Alpine and for F1’s rising stars. Will Doohan deliver a debut to remember, or will the learning curve be too steep? Either way, all eyes will be on the rookie this weekend.