Alpine F1 has confirmed, unsurprisingly after speculation last night after the Qatar GP, the participation of its reserve driver Jack Doohan in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon.
The move frees Esteban to drive for Haas F1 during post-season testing in Abu Dhabi.
Already announced as an official driver alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2025 season, Jack Doohan will race with the No. 61, his registered reserve number, and will also take part in the team's end-of-season testing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time with the team, where he will go down in history after scoring Alpine's first victory in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future,” said the press release, without further statements from the bosses or the French pilot.
Nothing stopped Ocon from doing the last Grand Prix for Alpine F1 then switching for his test at Haas F1 after the race. But the theory of blackmail which was done to the French pilot therefore seems to be well verified with this announcement.
NB: We will be doing our Grand Prix broadcast on Twitch this evening and not tomorrow to debrief the Qatar GP and discuss this news at Alpine F1. We are waiting for many of you in the chat for your reactions!
