The Formula 1 rumour mill is abuzz this week with reports suggesting that Alpine driver Esteban Ocon will relinquish his seat for the final race of the 2024 F1 season. This change is to allow him to commence postseason testing with Haas, the team he signed with earlier in 2024. Consequently, it's anticipated that 21-year-old Australian driver Jack Doohan will step in for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Doohan, who has been a reserve driver for Alpine since 2023, was elevated to a full-time seat with the American team for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasley back in August. With Ocon reportedly making an early exit, F1 enthusiasts are eager to witness the potential of this young Australian talent.

Jack Doohan. (Photo by Mark Sutton/Getty Images)

Esteban Ocon. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)

Although Alpine has yet to officially confirm this move, team principal Oli Oakes hinted at it, revealing that discussions had occurred between Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatora and Mercedes team principal and noted daddy Toto Wolf.

“I guess you could say it’s good to get Jack in early,” Oakes stated, according to The Athletic.

“From Esteban’s perspective, it’s beneficial to move on early. I believe it suits everyone involved. The conversation was quite natural, really. Esteban has played a significant role in this team. It’s mutually beneficial for both sides.”

So, who is F1’s latest Aussie, Jack Doohan?

Jack Doohan hails from the Gold Coast, Queensland and is 21 years old. For those curious, he is an Aquarius.

(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Being the son of five-time Moto GP World Champion Mick Doohan, racing was in his blood. He began kart racing at just nine years old, with a go-kart gifted by Michael Schumacher. He claimed numerous national karting titles. In 2018, he embarked on his F4 career and swiftly ascended the racing hierarchy. He was the F3 runner-up in 2021 and finished third in the F2 in 2023.

Now, having secured a highly coveted F1 seat, he becomes the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to earn a full-time race seat in F1 with the team. Previously, fellow Australian driver Oscar Piastri was part of the Alpine Academy but departed in 2022 to join McLaren. You can't fault someone for pursuing their dreams, right?

Although I still lament the absence of Daniel Ricciardo on the paddock (it was time, but no one has quite matched his je ne sais quoi), I'm thrilled to see two Aussies racing around. Not too bad, eh?