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Alpine F1 Team and Jack⁣ Doohan Part Ways Ahead of 2026 Season

Published: 2026/01/15 16:09:37

the Alpine F1 Team has announced the departure of Australian driver Jack Doohan ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship season. The decision,reached through mutual agreement,allows Doohan to⁤ explore new career opportunities after four years‍ with the Renault-owned team.

Doohan’s Journey with Alpine

Doohan, 22, initially joined Alpine as a reserve driver in 2023. He had the possibility to compete in six Grand Prix races at the start of the previous season, stepping in for the team before being replaced ⁢by ⁢Franco Colapinto. He continued in the role of reserve driver ‍for the remainder of the year.

Team Restructuring and Future Plans

Alpine has confirmed that Estonian driver Paul Aron will continue as a reserve driver alongside Colapinto, who remains a race ⁣driver alongside Frenchman Pierre Gasly. ⁢The team expressed gratitude for⁤ Doohan’s dedication and professionalism during his time with Alpine, wishing him well in his future endeavors. Autosport reports that the split⁣ was amicable, allowing Doohan to pursue other options.

2026 Pre-Season Testing Schedule

Formula 1 teams are preparing for an ‍intensive pre-season testing period. The schedule⁣ includes:

• Circuit ⁤de Barcelona-Catalunya (January 26-30): A private test session⁣ allowing teams three days of running to evaluate new car designs, following notable rule changes to chassis and engine specifications.
• Bahrain International Circuit (February 11-13 & 18-20): Two further three-day test sessions in Bahrain.

2026 Season⁢ Opener

The 2026⁣ FIA Formula 1 World Championship season will commence with