Jack Doohan will be Pierre Gasly's teammate this year at Alpine F1.
Son of Mick Doohan, five-time 500cc motorcycle speed world champion, Doohan finished 3rd in F2 in 2023… but apart from this information, we still know little about Esteban Ocon's successor.
If he had to describe himself in three words, what would the Australian say?
“I would say athletic – I’m really into sports. I would also say funny! And focused » Confie Doohan.
Doohan logically grew up in a world geared towards motorsport… and even if an accident turned him away from two wheels, single-seaters are certainly not a default choice.
“Ever since I can remember, I have always loved motorsport – whether on two or four wheels. I chose the four-wheel path rather than the two-wheel path. No matter what I do or would have done, I know that I would like to do it correctly and reach the top, the ultimate goal of this sport. F1 is that for us. This passion, being surrounded by motorsport since I was little, rubbing shoulders with famous people and heroes of our sport… Michael Schumacher, since I was very young, seeing what he accomplished and what is possible in this sport, with its ups and downs – it’s something I dream about and am about to fully embrace. »
So his father Mick Doohan didn't complain too much when he saw his son choose four wheels, rather than two?
“He never said anything, really!” I'm sure that inside he was very happy that I was choosing a much safer path. Although there are dangers in everything, if I make a mistake in the car, luckily I can get out of it, and if I get stuck, I can manage. On the other hand, if I lock a front wheel on a motorcycle, it will not be the same outcome. He never really said anything, but he always supported me in anything I did. »
In the F1 paddock, does Doohan already have good friends? The Australian has apparently already worked a lot for friendship between Oceanian countries!
“I would say Liam Lawson. Common interests, discussions… It may seem strange, but outside of F1, we are not only interested in cars for the aesthetics or the material side, but for the performance, the settings, the technical aspect. In terms of gaming, esports, simulators, we share a lot. And we come from the same region of the world; we are quite far from everyone! »
If he had to name a team principal and two drivers to make up his dream team, which trio would Doohan choose?
“Hmm… Difficult question! My two idols are Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, and I would put Flavio Briatore as team leader” replies Jack Doohan, who doesn't lose his point by quoting his boss and manager…
And to form a music group?
“Well, Liam sings and plays guitar, so he can be a singer and a guitar player. Charles [Leclerc] for the piano. I can play drums, so I would be the drummer, I guess. I don't know about the other positions, but that already makes a good trio! »
Finally, where does Jack Doohan see himself in five years?
“I would love to still be in F1, with Alpine, fighting for victories, podiums and world championships. »
