Australian driver Jack Doohan will race for Alpine subsequent season after being promoted from reserve driver, the Renault-owned Formulation One staff mentioned on Friday.

Doohan, son of MotoGP nice Mick, replaces French driver Esteban Ocon, who is about to depart Alpine when his contract expires on the finish of the 2024 season.

“Jack will be a part of the already signed and introduced Pierre Gasly to kind the staff’s driver pairing for subsequent season, changing into the primary Alpine Academy prospect to graduate right into a race seat with the staff,” the staff mentioned in an announcement.

“Pierre and Jack give the staff steadiness of youth and expertise in its driver line-up geared in the direction of constructing a profitable future.”

The 21-year-old Australian, who completed third in Formulation Two in 2023 earlier than changing into a reserve driver with Alpine this 12 months, has taken half in a couple of F1 rookie free follow classes.

“I’m very grateful for the belief and perception by the staff’s senior administration,” Doohan mentioned.

“There’s a lot work forward to be ready and prepared and I’ll give my finest within the meantime to soak up as a lot data and data to be prepared for the step up.

“It is an thrilling second, a proud day for my household, and I sit up for taking all of it in and pushing laborious behind the scenes.”

Alpine introduced in June that Ocon, who collided with teammate Gasly on the Monaco Grand Prix, could be leaving the staff. They’re eighth within the 10-team standings with 11 factors from 14 races.