Jack Doohan’s F1 journey has been one of patience, persistence, and good luck. From proving his worth in Formula 2 to securing a deal with Alpine for 2025, the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan has demonstrated potential for the kind of talent teams look for in future stars. But making his debut at the season finale in Abu Dhabi—ahead of schedule—comes with strings attached. This wasn’t just about giving a young driver a shot. It also reflected Esteban Ocon’s desire to ensure he could participate in Haas’s post-season test, a compromise negotiated amid growing tensions.

Speaking on the final Weekend Warm-Up show of the year in Abu Dhabi, broadcasters Laura Winters, Lawrence Barretto, and Will Buxton didn’t hold back in their assessment of the challenges awaiting Doohan.

Jack Doohan steps into a complex role

Esteban Ocon’s turbulent departure from Alpine has unexpectedly paved the way for F2 up-and-comer Jack Doohan’s highly anticipated Formula 1 debut. While this might seem like a breakthrough for the 21-year-old Australian, it comes against the backdrop of ongoing chaos at Alpine. Ocon’s early exit highlights deeper issues within the team, as Alpine faces the fallout of mismanagement and the challenges of nurturing fresh talent in Doohan.

Laura Winter described Ocon’s final Alpine race as “a shame,” pointing to how the situation overshadowed his years of effort. But the instability at Alpine—rooted in leadership changes and inconsistent results—has created an atmosphere that’s far from ideal for any driver. Flavio Briatore and Luca de Meo’s involvement hasn’t led to the stability many had hoped for, leaving team principal Oliver Oakes with a monumental task.

Will Buxton captured the uncertainty perfectly, stating: “Jack’s not walking into an easy environment. That place has been a mess the last two, three seasons. It’s not been a happy place.”Alpine’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years, losing icons like Fernando Alonso and Alain Prost, who left their mark as a driver and consultants, respectively.

For a team with aspirations of reclaiming its Renault-era glory, the past few seasons have been anything but inspiring. Doohan, while immensely talented, must navigate these challenges as he begins his F1 career. Buxton didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s challenges: “Ollie is managing to grab a hold of that team and set them on the right path, but Jack’s walking into a team that’s still trying to figure itself out.” Buxton offered a candid reminder: “That team’s been a mess, but Ollie is working hard to fix it. Jack has potential, but this will be a test of more than just his driving skills.”

Doohan’s debut comes at a critical moment when Alpine is locked in a constructors’ battle, needing every point it can get. While Ocon’s experience would have been valuable, his recent struggles, including underwhelming performances in Qatar and disputes over equipment, decided to put Doohan in the car easier.

Esteban Ocon’s rocky Alpine journey

Esteban Ocon’s time at Alpine has been a rollercoaster. The highs were undoubtedly impressive, like the shock win in Hungary in 2021 and the double podium finish in the wet alongside Pierre Gasly at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. But the lows, including a disastrous Monaco Grand Prix collision with Gasly, defined his final season and soured his relationship with the team. By the Qatar Grand Prix, where Ocon lagged far behind his teammate, the writing of Alpine’s disaster was on the wall.

Ocon’s move to Haas provides him a fresh start, but it also highlights how fraught his Alpine stint became. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who manages Ocon, alluded to the complexities of the transition, saying: “If stepping aside early helps Esteban get ready for Haas, then it’s worth discussing. But it’s clear this situation has been challenging for everyone involved.”

While Alpine’s leadership insisted the decision to give Doohan an early start was mutual, insiders suggest Ocon’s frustration with the team made the arrangement convenient for both sides. As Alpine closes a chapter with Ocon, the team’s future now rests on steadying the ship for 2025. Doohan, while promising, faces the dual challenge of proving himself in F1 and navigating an unstable team environment.

For Ocon, the move to Haas represents a chance to reset and compete in a different atmosphere. Yet, his tenure at Alpine remains a cautionary tale of what happens when talent and management clash. Both drivers face critical years ahead, but for now, all eyes are on Abu Dhabi, where a new era begins for Alpine and Jack Doohan.