Formula 3’s 2021 runner-up Australian Jack Doohan has joined Alpine’s driver academy program.The same academy which promoted fellow countryman Oscar Piastri into the team’s Formula 1 reserve driver seat for 2022. PHOTO: Alpineracing.com

BRENDAN LINES FEBRUARY 15, 2022

JACK Doohan becomes the next Australian knocking on the door of Formula 1 joining Alpine’s driver academy on Monday.  

The 19-year-old becomes the second Australian driver to join the Academy ranks, following in the footsteps of 2021 Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri. 

Doohan, a former Red Bull junior driver was absent from its 2022 line-up after he finished runner-up in the 2021 FIA Formula 3 Drivers’ Championship.

The Australian visited the Enstone-based team last October and told formula2.com he was convinced it was the right move.

“The option came up for me to go to Alpine for the season and I had a bit of time to think about it and to decide what was going to be the best option for me moving forward,” explained Doohan.

“It wasn’t a certainty for me to join the academy then, it was just to go and get a feel for it, to do some physical tests and to see how I got on in that atmosphere.

“Within the first day, I felt at home. The relationship and the atmosphere was just what I needed and I was very happy with the structure that they’ve got going forward.”

Doohan, the son of five-time MotoGP (then 500cc) world champion Mick Doohan is among the two newest additions to the academy with Olli Caldwell. While Caio Collet and Victor Martins continue with the program for a second consecutive season.

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi said its driver academy “remains an extremely valuable part” in finding the next top talent in Formula 1.

“As with every year we have high expectations for our Academy and it’s no different heading into this season,” Rossi said.

“We welcome two new drivers, Jack and Olli, combined with the returning Formula 3 duo of Caio and Victor. Each brings their own personality and talent and we are excited to see how our drivers develop this season, individually and as a group.” 

All four of this year’s Academy crop start their respective campaigns on March 18-20 alongside Formula 1’s opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.