'Good chance' F1 star will be replaced by rookie amid drop threat from team

30 May 2024 , 13:01

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Esteban Ocon's Alpine future is under threat (Image: Getty Images)

Jack Doohan thinks he has "a good chance" of landing an Alpine Formula 1 seat next year.

Both current Alpine drivers are out of contract at the end of this season. But, of the two, Esteban Ocon is the one whose future is in doubt after he infuriated team boss Bruno Famin by slamming into team-mate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Ocon attempted a brainless overtake on Gasly on the first lap which caused terminal damage to his own car. The stewards handed him a time penalty which, because he could not continue, was converted into a five-place grid drop for next weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

There has been some speculation that the Frenchman might not even line up to serve that punishment. Famin promised "consequences" for Ocon after his indiscretion in Monaco and could sideline the 27-year-old in Montreal, though it is understood to be an unlikely outcome.

But the whole affair will certainly have harmed Ocon's chances of winning a new deal. And waiting for the chance to take his seat is reserve driver Doohan, the former Formula 2 driver who is not racing in any series this year to fully focus on his F1 dream.

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Speaking to RacingNews365, the Australian said: "I just want to make sure that I can get in the seat next year. I want to be in there with Alpine. I have objectives to do out of the car, in the car, whether that's in the simulator or on the track, but also here testing.

"Making sure that I'm maximising, ticking all of the boxes. I feel that's what I'm doing now. With the position that I'm in and what I've done, I feel I should be in with a good chance for a seat next year. We obviously chose the decision not to race this year, to prepare me more for F1.

Jack Doohan is the son of five-time motorbike racing world champion Mick Doohan (Getty Images)

"With the simulator, there's also on-track testing so it will be a natural transition to continue on this path with Alpine and join as a full-time driver next year."

The son of five-time motorbike racing world champion Mick Doohan, 21-year-old Jack tested at Zandvoort earlier this month and more outings are in the pipeline this year. And there is only one thing on his mind every time he gets the chance to prove what he can do.

Asked what his ideal outcome is, he added: "To be signed as an Alpine F1 driver for 2025 and beyond... Alpine have dedicated a lot to me and gave me a great opportunity. I really want to have the chance to repay that and get to where we want to be. Not just driving in F1, but getting to where I know all that work ethic is going towards, which is hopefully being on the podium and winning races in the future."

Daniel Moxon