What Oscar Piastri said to Jack Doohan after 2025 Alpine seat was confirmed

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Oscar Piastri may have inadvertently helped fellow Australian Jack Doohan land a Formula 1 seat with Alpine. The Enstone outfit confirmed on Friday morning that he would partner Pierre Gasly in 2025.

Back in 2022, Alpine announced on their social media channels that Piastri would drive for them, replacing the Aston-Martin-bound Fernando Alonso. In a remarkable series of events, he publicly insisted that no such agreement was in place.

McLaren prevailed in the ensuing legal battle and paired Piastri with Lando Norris. Alpine, meanwhile, turned to Gasly to race alongside Esteban Ocon.

Piastri could have been a long-term option for the French manufacturer. He’s displayed his huge potential in his first 18 months or so with McLaren.

That could have closed the door for a driver like Doohan. But instead, Ocon has moved on to present the opportunity he needed.

Alpine’s statement suggests he’s only signed a one-year deal. That means they could change their line-up again if he fails to deliver in 2025.

Oscar Piastri congratulates Jack Doohan on Alpine seat

Doohan took to Instagram surely after the news was confirmed to express his pride. He vowed to ‘grab the opportunity with two hands’ as he looks to earn an extension.

“A truly surreal feeling to secure my future with Alpine as a Formula 1 Driver for 2025,” he wrote. “A dream come true, but something that could not have been obtained without many personal sacrifices from me and family.

“An opportunity I intend to grab with two hands and leave no stone unturned both on and off the track. Most importantly, I can’t thank the entire BWT Alpine F1 Team enough for this opportunity.”

There could be three Australians on the Formula 1 grid next year, provided Daniel Ricciardo keeps his spot. Ricciardo could return to Red Bull, remain at RB or lose his drive to Liam Lawson – all three options are still on the table.

Doohan has previously raced against Piastri in F2 in 2021, when the latter won the championship. He would only feature in the final two rounds, however, before a full-time debut in 2022.

Piastri wrote ‘congratulations mate’ in the comments underneath his compatriot’s post. F2 high-flyer Gabriel Bortoleto was also among those to send messages, saying ‘well done bro’.

Why Damon Hill is a big fan of Jack Doohan

Audi were also interested in Doohan, but Alpine were in control of his future. He’s clearly impressed them in his reserve driver role, earning a promotion.

Since Carlos Sainz turned down the move and joined Williams instead, the 21-year-old has looked like the favourite. It was simply a matter of waiting for the announcement.

Alpine have already poured ‘millions’ into developing Doohan, who’s carried out a private testing programme in old machinery. He’s the second confirmed rookie on the grid after Oliver Bearman (Haas) and more are likely to follow.

Earlier this month, Damon Hill told Alpine Doohan was the right choice. The 1996 F1 champion believes his ‘smart and inquisitive’ demeanour will serve him well at the pinnacle of motorsport.