Alpine team principal Bruno Famin has known for some time that he might have to play a part in the Formula 1 driver’s market this year.
Famin admitted that he was ready to react to whatever happened with his drivers this year and on Monday, it was confirmed that Esteban Ocon would be moving on at the end of the 2024 season.
Alpine may not have reacted in the driver’s market yet but they have moved quickly to assess one of their potential options.
Reserve driver Jack Doohan has emerged as one driver who could replace Ocon next season.
The 22-year-old Australian will be in Ocon’s car during FP1 at the Canadian Grand Prix to give him his first taste of action in a Formula 1 session.
Former F1 race winner Jean Alesi has now reacted to the news on Instagram that Jack Doohan will be involved at the Canadian Grand Prix.
He’s received a seal of approval from the French star.
READ MORE: Who is Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan? Everything you need to know
Jean Alesi sends message to Jack Doohan ahead of his Canadian Grand Prix FP1 debut
There were suggestions after the Monaco Grand Prix that Doohan might be even more involved in Montreal.
Esteban Ocon was threatened with serious consequences by Bruno Famin after hitting his teammate on the first lap and ending his race as a result of the damage.
In the end, Alpine decided not to replace Ocon for the whole race weekend but have now confirmed what many already suspected that he wouldn’t be with the team for 2025.
That opens up a spot on the grid and in such a volatile driver’s market, Doohan may have a real opportunity to earn a full-time seat next year.
He’s not taking part in any series outside of F1 this year to concentrate on testing Alpine’s current car on the simulator and troubleshooting issues behind the scenes.
Doohan has done a very good job and he’s been praised for the hours he’s put in to help the team despite their indifferent start to the campaign.
The 22-year-old now has the opportunity to prove he can be a real option for Alpine next year in FP1 and he’s already received some messages of support.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
Jack Doohan has an opportunity to impress Alpine
Posting on Instagram after the news broke, Doohan said: “Montreal. FP1. Let’s get it. Very grateful to the whole @alpinef1team for this opportunity.”
Jean Alesi replied to his post and simply said: “Forza Jack.”
There are plenty of drivers who are putting themselves in the frame to potentially replace Esteban Ocon.
Mick Schumacher wants to return to Formula 1 and is racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.
Zhou Guanyu could provide the necessary funding that Alpine needs to earn himself a seat on the grid next year as he looks set to lose his place at Sauber.
Bruno Famin would love to bring Carlos Sainz back to the team, but that seems very unlikely at this stage.
At the moment, Doohan is the man being handed the opportunity to show why he should be the latest Australian driver to join the grid in 2025.
The post Jean Alesi sends two-word message to Jack Doohan ahead of his FP1 debut at the Canadian Grand Prix appeared first on F1 Oversteer.