Jack Doohan: Inside new Alpine F1 driver’s incredible motorsports journey from Gold Coast to Formula One

Jack Doohan is the new Aussie kid in Formula 1 but his journey towards the top level of motorsports began more than a decade ago on the Gold Coast in a small go-kart. HIS EARLY YEARS

Speed has always been in Jack Doohan’s blood.

The son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan was snapped at age two riding around on a razor scooter at Queensland Raceway in 2005.

Now, two decades on from that photograph, he will make his debut on the Formula 1 grid in March 2025 after securing a full-time drive with Renault’s works team Alpine.

“There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up,” he said last week in a statement marking his promotion.

“It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality.

“It’s an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.”

Doohan will race in the seat vacated by Esteban Ocon whose contract wasn’t renewed due to ongoing conflicts with teammate Pierre Gasly.

Jack Doohan at theF1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort last weekend after he was announced as Alpine’s signing for 2025. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

It is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream which he candidly spoke to the Bulletin about as a child growing up on the Gold Coast when starting out in karting.

He made his championship karting debut in March 2012 at age nine with his father acting as his mechanic.

“Jack is having a great time, and that’s the most important thing right now,’’ Mick Doohan said at the time.

Jack Doohan, then-two, pictured at Queensland Raceway in 2005.

“This is his first big meeting like this and he’s enjoying not only the racing side of it but having fun with all of the other kids when they’re not racing.”

Fast-forward to February 2016 and he told the Bulletin’s then-motoring editor Paul Gover he was dreaming of being on the Formula 1 grid, following in the footsteps of fellow Gold Coast and three-time world champion Sir Jack Brabham.

“My dream is Formula One. But it’s a long way to get there,” said the then-13-year-old who cites his heroes as his father, V8 Supercars star James Courtney and seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher.

Jack Doohan as a rookie karter with his dad, former motorcycle champion Mick Doohan.

Mick Doohan, when asked if he thought his son would be able to make the grid, said: “He’s just 13. I won’t blow his bubble … hopefully he’ll take up basketball, it will be a lot cheaper.”

In early 2017, the Doohan family decided to relocate from the Gold Coast to southern France to focus on Jack chasing his F1 dream.

Jack Doohan during his karting days. Photo Cathy Adams / The Northern Star

“Jack has won here (in Australia) for the past three years in the categories he is running in and to continue to develop he needs to step it up again,” Mick Doohan said at the time.

“If you want to go to the next level, you have to gauge the international competition.”

Jack himself was bullish about his future.

Mick Doohan and son Jack Doohan, pictured at the family’s Gold Coast home in April 2020 where they stayed during the pandemic. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“I love the racing, I love the challenge of pushing myself to the limit,” he said.

“I have always wanted to move over to Europe and race over there. If you want to prove yourself and make a name for yourself, that is where it is at.”

Jack Doohan in the cockpit of the Alpine. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

When asked if he felt pressure because of his father’s success, the then-teenager said: “Not really because I’m still 13. Dad wasn’t the five-time world champion at the age of 13.”

Mr Doohan said he would maintain his business interests on the Gold Coast but vowed to give his all to seeing his son’s dream come true.

“Formula One is the ultimate goal but there is a lot of work to do between now and then.”

That dream will come true in March next year when Jack returns to Australia to make his debut on the grid with the first round of the 2025 championship being held in Melbourne at the Albert Park street circuit.