Jack Doohan realised a life ambition when he was granted his Formula 1 debut a race early in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Doohan also took part in the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, which was a great opportunity for him to gain some more experience ahead of a full season in 2025.
Few would’ve had the Australian on their bingo card for a drive this season, given it looked set the Estaban Ocon would see out his final race with Alpine given how close their title battle was with Haas.
The two were separated by six points heading into Abu Dhabi, but Alpine decided to bank on giving Doohan experience because Ocon wanted to take part in the post-season test with Haas.
Doohan largely kept out of trouble on his debut, finishing in P15 ahead of Kevin Magnussen. Teammate Pierre Gasly paid tribute to Doohan’s testing efforts, having been their test/reserve driver this year.
While Doohan’s father is an accomplished motorcycle rider, he revealed in an interview with F1.com that he got into motorsport after receiving a gift for Christmas from a friend of his family.
Jack Doohan reveals he received go-kart from Michael Schumacher
Schumacher is a friend of Jack’s father Mick Doohan, having himself been a keen motorcycle rider during his time as an F1 driver.
When asked if he could recall his first driving experience, Doohan revealed that it was Schumacher’s gift for Christmas that started everything off.
“I first drove I think on Christmas… I was maybe two years old, three, and Michael Schumacher gave me and my sister two go-karts for Christmas, so I think that was my first memory,” said Doohan.
Karting is often seen as the first stepping stone for future drivers, before they make the switch to full-time racing in cars or single-seaters.
Alpine run full pit-stop routines with Jack Doohan during Abu Dhabi test
In a bid for him to learn more ahead of his full-time season, Doohan managed 137 laps around the Yas Marina circuit during the post-season test.
His quickest time was eighth fastest and only eighth tenths off Charles Leclerc, who topped the timesheets in the Ferrari.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
Alpine was reportedly running a full pit stop routine for Doohan every time the car came into the pits, as they prepare him comprehensively for a full-time drive.
Doohan was sharing the Alpine duties with Paul Aaron, who completed 121 laps and set the ninth fastest time.
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