Formula One: All the news ahead of the F1 Mexican Grand Prix

A young Australian motorsport star with a very famous surname has received a call-up to get a taste of F1 action as the Oscar Piastri-Alpine saga takes another twist.

Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan (inset).

Jack Doohan will make his Formula One race weekend debut ahead of compatriot Oscar Piastri after Alpine confirmed the Australian son-of-a-gun will hit the track for Friday’s free practice at this week’s Mexican Grand Prix.

In another chapter to the Piastri contract saga that resulted in the Melburnian signing to race with McLaren from next season, Alpine announced junior driver Doohan would take over the driving duties for the team’s two mandatory rookie practice sessions instead of reserve driver Piastri.

The son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, the 19-year-old will step into Alpine driver Esteban Ocon’s car for the opening practice session in Mexico.

🚨 Jack Doohan: FP1 debut! 🚨

Alpine Academy’s @JackDoohan33 will be stepping into the A522, taking over Friday driving duties in FP1 of the Mexico Grand Prix.#AlpineAcademy#MexicoGPpic.twitter.com/Ga8LLC9pDD

— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) October 25, 2022

Alpine also confirmed Doohan, who sits fourth in the F2 championship standings, would also hit the track for free practice at next month’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Teams are required to run rookie drivers in two practice sessions this season.

As Alpine’s reserve driver, Piastri would have been in line for a taste of the F1 action in the rookie practice sessions, but his imminent move to McLaren opened the door for Doohan.

There has been no word from Alpine about releasing Piastri from his reserve driver contract early.

As he eyes a future spot on the Formula 1 grid, Doohan said he would make the most of the opportunity behind the wheel of an F1 car.

“I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in free practice in Mexico,” Doohan said

Oscar Piastri. Source Twitter / BWT Alpine F1 Team @alpinef1team

“It’s always a huge honour to be entrusted to drive a Formula 1 car, so to have that opportunity on a Grand Prix weekend is very special.

“Ultimately, the aim is to be doing this every week and this experience is another step closer to achieving that goal.

“I’ve prepared as best as I can, and I think it’s going to be very exciting to experience the car at this type of circuit with the high altitude and very high top speed.

“I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity.”

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer said Doohan deserved his chance to get a taste of the F1 action, but there was no mention made of Piastri in the team’s media release announcing Doohan’s drive.

“We have all been impressed with Jack’s progression across many areas this season and he’s deserving of his chance as we continue to nurture his high potential,” he said.

Jack Doohan, son of Multiple world 500cc World Championship-winning motorcyclist Mick Doohan. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING

“It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy program has proven to be successful in doing just that.

“We expect Jack to work hard during the session and take as much as he can from the experience of being involved in a Formula One Grand Prix weekend.”

Doohan joined the Alpine driver academy in January after finishing runner-up in the 2021 F3 championship.

He has claimed three race wins in his rookie Formula 2 campaign this year, plus another three podiums and three pole positions with one more round remaining in Abu Dhabi.

ENDS