Jack Doohan is a name that’s rapidly gaining traction in the high-octane world of motorsport, and for good reason. Born into a legacy of speed as the son of five-time Grand Prix motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan, this Australian racing driver has carved his own path through the ranks of karting, junior formulae, and now Formula 1 with Alpine. At just 22 years old, Doohan’s journey is a compelling blend of talent, determination, and serendipitous connections—like a childhood gift from a Formula 1 legend that set him on his course. With his full-time F1 debut slated for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, Doohan represents the next wave of Australian racing talent, following in the footsteps of drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri. Beyond the headlines of his recent promotion from reserve driver to the big leagues, there’s much more to uncover about this rising star.
Here are six fascinating facts that illuminate Doohan’s remarkable story.
1. A gift from a legend kickstarted his career
Doohan’s entry into racing wasn’t just a family affair—it came with a nudge from one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history. At the age of nine, Doohan received his very first go-kart as a gift from none other than Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion. The two families were neighbors on Australia’s Gold Coast, and Schumacher’s gesture proved prophetic. That kart ignited Doohan’s passion for racing, leading him to compete competitively by 2012 and eventually claim back-to-back Australian Karting Championships in 2015 and 2016.
2. Motorsport runs in his blood
Racing isn’t just a career choice for Jack—it’s part of his DNA. His father, Mick Doohan, dominated the 500cc motorcycle racing scene, securing five consecutive world titles from 1994 to 1998. While Mick’s career was cut short by injury, his competitive spirit and resilience clearly rubbed off on his son. Jack, however, chose four wheels over two, a decision influenced by a motorcycle crash at age five that broke his leg—an incident that reportedly steered his father away from pushing him toward bikes. Instead, Jack embraced car racing, carrying the Doohan name into a new domain with pride and purpose.
3. He’s a proven winner across multiple series
Doohan’s rise to Formula 1 wasn’t a fluke—he’s earned it through consistent success across various racing categories. After his karting triumphs, he debuted in single-seater racing in 2018 with the F4 British Championship, where he notched three victories and finished fifth overall. He then took on the F3 Asian Championship, finishing as runner-up in both the 2019 and 2019–20 seasons, with five wins in the former. His standout performance came in 2021 with Trident in FIA Formula 3, where he clinched four victories and secured second place in the championship. Add to that six wins and a third-place finish in FIA Formula 2 with Virtuosi in 2023, and it’s clear Doohan has the pedigree to compete at the highest level.
4. He swapped Red Bull for Alpine
Doohan’s journey to F1 involved a notable pivot in team allegiance. Initially part of the Red Bull Junior Team—a program that produced stars like Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo—he raced under their banner from 2017 until 2021. However, in 2022, he joined the Alpine Academy, a move that paid off when Alpine named him their reserve driver for 2023 and 2024. His patience and performance as a reserve culminated in his F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon, and his promotion to a full-time seat in 2025.
5. He’s known for mental toughness
Beyond his on-track skills, Doohan’s mental resilience sets him apart. His 2020 FIA Formula 3 season with HWA Racelab was a tough one, with no points scored and a best finish of 11th, leaving him 26th in the standings. Yet, he bounced back spectacularly in 2021 with Trident, finishing second overall. Doohan himself has said that the challenging 2020 season taught him more than a successful one ever could, highlighting his ability to learn from adversity.
6. He’s already made his F1 mark
While 2025 will be his first full season, Doohan didn’t wait that long to leave an impression in Formula 1. Stepping in for Esteban Ocon at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he made his official F1 debut, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. As Alpine’s first academy driver to graduate to their F1 team, his promotion signals a new era for the squad. Paired with race-winner Pierre Gasly, Doohan has a golden opportunity to prove himself among the sport’s elite.