Jack Doohan is set to make his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Alpine, who is expected to release Esteban Ocon ahead of a move to Haas next year.
Okon signed Haas in July before Alpine confirmed 21-year-old Australian Doohan as his replacement in August.
It was understood the French driver was seeking permission from Alpine to be allowed to drive Haas in the post-season test following the Abu Dhabi event.
In negotiations with Alpine to release him early from his contract to drive for Haas, Oko appears to have agreed to give up driving at the end of the season to get an early start with his new team.
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Watch Max Verstappen lead the first turn of the Qatar Grand Prix when collisions between Franco Colapinto and Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon and Lance Stroll brought out the safety car.
Alpine has yet to officially announce the switch, however Sky Sports F1 pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz understands a final decision has been made.
The decision is unexpected.
News of Ocon’s early retirement emerged after Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix, in which he retired after a collision with Williams’ Franco Colapinto on the opening lap.
The race is set to be the final for Ocon in a five-year run at Alpine (formerly Renault), which has seen him take one win and four podiums.
More to follow…
Watch the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1 this coming week at 1pm on Sunday. Get Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW
