Alpine
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Alpine look for reinforcements: Who could be in picture to replace Ocon?
- Ludo van Denderen
Esteban Ocon's marriage with Alpine lasted five seasons, but it will come to an end at the end of the current year. While Ocon is in the picture with Haas F1 and Audi (now Sauber/Stake F1), the French team are obviously looking for a new teammate for Pierre Gasly - at least, it is expected that he can stay on. For the second seat, Alpine do not seem to rule out an unconventional choice by any means.
Before Ocon and Alpine had even announced that their paths would part, Mick Schumacher had already put himself up for a place with the French team. Currently, the German competes for Alpine's WEC team, where he performs to his full satisfaction. Yet Schumacher does not seem to be the Frenchmen's dream candidate. Very emphatically, they are looking at youngsters.
Doohan the leading candidate
Jack Doohan is, for now, the main option to become the second driver in '25. The Australian made a nice impression in Formula 2 in previous years, without really excelling. This season he is not racing, but Alpine are letting him get used to F1 cars with an extensive test programme. For instance, the French had recently hired the Zandvoort circuit for two days to let Doohan test.
During the first free practice for the Canadian Grand Prix, Doohan will get a chance to put miles on the '24 car for the first time. Later in the season, the Australian - the son of motorsport legend Mick - will drive another free practice during a GP weekend as Pierre Gasly's replacement. In addition, private testing continues, for example soon at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Alpine test Maini and Martins
This week, two other junior Alpine drivers also got the chance to test for a day in an old Alpine F1 car. Victor Martins, driving in the F2 championship, is known to be on Alpine's list for '25 as well. The Frenchman was in action at the Red Bull Ring last Thursday with the '22 car.
A day earlier, it had already been the turn of Kush Maini. The Indian is also currently competing in Formula 2. Like Martins, he got a chance to get acquainted with the A522. Maini's name did not drop (yet) as a possible candidate to succeed Ocon. The test did not say that he is indeed an option for the team, but at least the French gave him a chance to show himself. Who knows what will come out of that.