There is only one race left in the 2024 F1 Grand Prix.
However, momentum is building for Jack Doohan to make his alpine debut at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
According to comments made after the Qatar Grand Prix, negotiations are underway for Esteban Ocon to terminate his current contract with Alpine early, which would allow him to participate in the post-season test at Yas Marina after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. You will be able to participate. Hearth. Ocon announced earlier this season that he would be moving to Haas for the 2025 season.
Speaking after the Qatar Grand Prix, Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes outlined that such a move had been discussed.
“I don't think there's a definitive answer yet, but it's being discussed,” Oakes said. “Obviously it's a bit complicated because while he's ours, he's also obviously a junior at Mercedes contractually and obviously he wants to be released early as well.”
Oakes also outlined how the discussions were conducted by all stakeholders, not just Ocon's camp.
“I think it really comes from all sides. I think you can say it's a good thing to bring Jack in early and I think from Esteban's side you can say it's a good thing to bring him in early. said Oakes.
“I think it was a really natural conversation because I think it suits everyone. Esteban is also a big part of this team and I think it's a mutual fit from both sides.”
Alpine also dismissed the idea that such a move was due to frustration on Ocon's part over his last weeks with the team.
“No, I think you could say there's a role in that too, but really, I think the bigger part is kind of a natural evolution of him moving forward, a little bit more for the last time. Is it suitable for both of us to do it early?” Round or not? It's also from the other side [that] “You could think of it that way because it's better to have Jack on the team and work with everyone and get that butterfly out of the way now than to have it next year in Australia,” Oakes said.
“I think there are still some things we need to talk about tonight and maybe tomorrow morning, but it looks like everything is done. [to be] We're moving in a direction that might be a good solution for everyone. Let's take a look. “
If Doohan does indeed make his alpine debut at the final race of the season, it will come as the team battles for sixth place in the F1 Constructors' Championship. Alpine currently holds a five-point advantage over Haas, with 59 points to Haas' 54. Visa Cash App RB F1 team is 13 points behind with 46 season points.
Pierre Gasly's impressive 5th place finish at the Qatar Grand Prix helped Alpine regain 6th place from Haas after losing ground at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Still, Oakes outlined in Qatar on Sunday that an early debut might be best for Doohan.
“I think it's never easy to judge someone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that,” Oakes said. “I think the problem is you have standards.” [Oliver] The Bearman set was amazing in Saudi Arabia.
“I say this in a good way because you have great talent, but you have me.” [Antonelli] There was some pressure at Monza. But in the end, I think Jack has no choice but to accept what he finds.
“I think he's professional enough to handle it. I also think that once he relaxes into the weekend in FP1 and FP2, he can build up for it.”
