Doohan, Caldwell added to Alpine Academy roster

Michelle Foster
Traident's Jack Doohan smiling. Spain, April 2021.

Jack Doohan is the latest Australian driver to be snapped up by the Alpine Academy, the 19-year-old joining the 2022 roster along with Olli Caldwell.

With two drivers from their Academy stepping up into Formula 1 this season, Oscar Piastri signed as Alpine’s reserve driver and Guanyu Zhou joining Alfa Romeo, Alpine have named their replacements in Doohan and Caldwell.

Second in last year’s Formula 3 championship, Doohan was called up late in the season to race for MP Motorsport in Formula 2, scoring in both of the final two race weekends of the season.

He’ll continue in Formula 2 this season, racing for Virtuosi Racing.

Doohan is the son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, a five-time 500cc World Champion, but has opted for four wheels over two.

As for British driver Caldwell, he will team up his duties with the Academy with his newly-confirmed Campos Racing drive in Formula 2.

“I’m really excited to join the Academy as this is one of the biggest steps in my career so far,” said the 19-year-old.

“All the support that comes with it does add a bit of pressure, but that’s good pressure to have in order to keep pushing.

“I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to seeing how I can improve and perform in the years ahead. I get on really well with Campos Racing and especially with Ralph [Boschung].

“The car is looking very strong and I think we can definitely achieve some very good results this year, I can’t wait to get going!”

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi welcomed the new signings.

“The Alpine Academy remains an extremely valuable part of what we want to achieve in Formula 1,” he said. “We are passionate about finding the next generation of racers to nourish our F1 driver line-up.

“It’s exciting to see the growing strength of the programme since it was started in 2016, with last year being its most successful season to date. Of our 2021 graduates, Oscar joins our Formula 1 programme as the team’s official reserve driver, and he has an important role alongside Esteban and Fernando this year.

“We also only need to look down the Formula 1 paddock and across to IndyCar to see two more of our Academy graduates from last year, which is a testament to the structure of the programme to prepare drivers for senior series.

“As with every year we have high expectations for our Academy and it’s no different heading into this season. We welcome two new drivers, Jack and Olli, combined with the returning Formula 3 duo of Caio and Victor.

 

“Each brings their own personality and talent and we are excited to see how our drivers develop this season, individually and as a group.”

Caio Collet and Victor Martins will continue with the Alpine programme for a second consecutive season.

 

Alpine

Related Articles