Potential Esteban Ocon replacement at Alpine gets a glowing recommendation from F1 insider

F1 presenter Will Buxton sang praises of Alpine Junior driver and potential Esteban Ocon replacement Jack Doohan after the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. The Aussie driver is one of the many in contention for the seat on the French team for the 2025 season.

The Enstone-based team had already announced that they would be parting ways with Esteban Ocon after the 2024 season after five years together that saw them win the 2021 Hungarian GP and claim two further podiums in Sakhir 2020 and Monaco 2023.

Buxton took to his social media handle on X to credit Doohan for his role in Alpine's development throughout the season which has seen them climb up to P7 in the Constructor's Championship after a dismal start to the year. He wrote:

"Also want to give massive credit to this guy. @jackdoohan is a huge reason Alpine have gone from the back of the grid to within half a second of the pole.

"Diligent, dedicated, and insanely talented behind the wheel, he’s also one of the most insightful and thoughtful analysts I’ve ever worked with. Praying he gets his big break in 2025 but man I’ll miss him from the broadcasts when he does."

Alpine junior driver gives his take on a potential seat on the team next year

Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan stated that it was his 'dream' to race in F1 after having been involved in the junior series for quite some time.

Speaking with Sky Sports, the Aussie driver said (via F1.com):

“It’s difficult to say anything with Formula 1 is for certain. My dream is to be on the grid, my dream is to be in Formula 1. I’m here with the team as a reserve driver preparing myself to be in the car.

“That is where I want to be, and every time I get to do that, whether it’s the sim or on track, experiencing myself with marketing, in comms, I’m trying to position myself to get that opportunity. Nothing is for certain, there’s no givens, but I want to be there.”

Alpine Junior further claimed that he was ready to drive in F1 as he believed that "previous mileage has been very, very high in the ’21 car, and two days in the ’22 car. I felt very comfortable coming into today."

He raced subbed in for Ocon at the FP1 session in Montreal but wasn't able to fully utilize the session as the French team were apprehensive about sending him out in the rain-induced hour.

There is a possibility that both seats on the French team might be up for grabs as reportedly Pierre Gasly too has been looking at other options on the grid for the 2025 season.