Australia could have three drivers on the Formula 1 grid in 2025 with Jack Doohan edging closer to making his debut.
Doohan is favourite to snare the vacant seat at Alpine next year, according to reports.
The Sporting News takes a closer look at Doohan's potential path to F1.
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Will Jack Doohan race in Formula 1?
Doohan is in the final stages of negotiations with Alpine to replace Esteban Ocon in one of their F1 seats for next season, reports Autosport.
Alpine had reportedly been pursuing Carlos Sainz but have turned to Doohan after the Spanish driver signed for Williams.
Doohan is currently Alpine's official reserve driver for their F1 team.
This means he is on hand to replace one of the two Alpine drivers - Ocon or Pierre Gasly - if either they are unable to race during the season.
During May's Monaco Grand Prix, Ocon attempted a risky overtake on his teammate and ultimately caused a crash.
Roughly one week later, Alpine announced they would part ways with the Frenchman at the end of the current season, although it is unconfirmed whether that decision is related to the incident in Monaco.
While Ocon will retain his seat for the rest of the 2024 campaign, there will be a vacancy at the Enstone-based team for next season.
Across two seasons in F2, Doohan recorded six race wins and 11 podiums.
His strong association with Alpine as a reserve driver and member of their academy will also be in his favour.
Jack Doohan career history, progression
It has been a speedy ascent for Doohan in the elite motorsport scene.
He competed in go-karting events until 2017 before making the move to F4, taking part in the 2018 British Championship.
His strong performances saw him promoted to the F3 Asian Championship the next year, where he finished second in the 2019/20 season.
A move to the FIA F3 Championship followed, where Doohan struggled in his maiden season.
However, a switch from HWA Racelab to Trident in 2021 paid dividends, with the Australian finishing second and earning a promotion to F2, where he raced for two full years with Virtuosi.
He finished sixth and third in the championship standings in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Who does Jack Doohan currently race for?
Doohan does not have a full-time seat in any racing series.
He is currently employed by Alpine as a reserve driver for their F1 team.
This sees him travel with the team to most Grands Prix, where he is on standby to fill in for either Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly if needed.
Doohan is also involved with testing and simulation.
MORE: Which driver has the most podium finishes in F1 history?
He made his F1 debut in 2022 when he jumped behind the wheel for Alpine during the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix.
The academy talent has participated in a few more practice sessions since.
Is Jack Doohan related to Mick Doohan?
Yes, Jack is the son of motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan.
Mick enjoyed a successful career, claiming five consecutive 500c World Championships and picking up 54 victories in his time in the series.
Despite his father's achievements on two wheels, Jack opted to focus on racing in four-wheeled vehicles.
In fact, he was discouraged from pursuing a career in motorcycling after an accident at a young age.
