Doohan reportedly set for F1 promotion with Alpine

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Alpine junior Jack Doohan is reportedly poised to make the leap from reserve driver to a full-time race seat with the French outfit in 2025.

A winner in F3 and in F2, the Australian driver - son of five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan - has been steadily progressing through the ranks and his efforts appear to be on the cusp of paying off.

According to a report from Motorsport.com, a deal between Doohan and the Enstone squad is not yet signed and sealed but is imminent, with an official announcement potentially coming before Formula 1 mandatory summer shut-down.

The 21-year-old’s promotion would see him partner with Pierre Gasly in next year’s championship.

Doohan’s opportunity has emerged following Carlos Sainz’s decision to reject Alpine’s F1 offer and instead join Williams. With the Spaniard out of the picture, the team turned its attention to its reserve driver, who has consistently impressed during his time with the squad.

Read also: Alpine confirms Oakes as new F1 team principal

The Aussie’s journey to the brink of Formula 1 has been marked by determination and strategic planning. After cutting his teeth in the Red Bull Junior Team, he made the pivotal decision to join the Alpine Academy in 2022, lured by the promise of increased testing opportunities.

His foresight has proven astute, as he has logged valuable track time in both previous-generation and current F1 cars at a variety of circuits.

His performances in six Free Practice sessions for Alpine, coupled with his current stint as a test driver, have solidified his status with the team and his promotion would represent a significant endorsement of his talent.

Should the deal materialize, Doohan will join a growing cohort of rookies on the 2025 grid. Haas has already confirmed Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman, while Mercedes is expected to nominate highly rated teenage charger Andrea Kimi Antonelli as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.

Doohan would also join on the grid Australian countrymen Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo.

This influx of young talent promises to inject fresh energy and excitement into the sport.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.