From Go-Karts to Grand Prix: Jack Doohan’s F1 Debut and His Schumacher Connection

Jack Doohan, the new driver for Alpine F1, has strong connections to seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher.

Jack Doohan is set to enter Formula 1 next year with Alpine, as the French team revealed this announcement on Friday during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Due to his remarkable performance as a test and reserve driver, Doohan has been promoted to join Pierre Gasly for the 2025 F1 season.

The Australian has climbed the ranks with impressive speed, even though he hasn't secured a title win.

He is additionally known for being the offspring of the famed motorcycle icon, Mick Doohan.

Mick is highly esteemed as one of the best in motorcycle racing, securing five world championships in the 500cc category.

Despite this, his son chose to pursue a career in single-seater racing, after getting his first go-kart from Michael Schumacher at the age of 7.

Schumacher had a strong friendship with Mick, as both were leaders in their own motorsport fields.

The recently appointed Alpine driver mentioned earlier in an interview: “Michael Schumacher. I was lucky that he was a family friend since I was young. Michael would sometimes come to Australia and stay with us because he and my dad were friends. At one time, they even lived next door to each other in Monaco.

“Michael gifted my sister and me our first go-kart when we were just three years old. Considering all he has achieved and his overall mindset, he is a person I greatly admire.”

"My father is another person I deeply admire due to his remarkable accomplishments, especially considering he started with nothing. His hard work and dedication have afforded me the chance to pursue my own path, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been born into these circumstances. Unlike me, my dad didn't have the same opportunities, which makes his commitment and perseverance all the more inspiring to me."

The strong bond between the Schumacher and Doohan families continues beyond that point.

Former F1 chief Eddie Jordan disclosed that Mick Schumacher was named in honor of Doohan.

“Mick Schumacher is not named after his father, as many people mistakenly believe,” Jordan remarked.

"Mick Schumacher's name honors an individual whom his father, Michael Schumacher, greatly admired—a sports legend who secured five consecutive world championships with Honda."

“Mick Doohan was honored by Michael Schumacher, who named his son Mick in tribute to him.”

Mick Doohan remains active in the F1 community, backing his son’s racing career and sometimes serving as an FIA steward.

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