Jack Doohan opens up on potential debut in 2025, Australian Grand Prix

But as his star rises, there’s one thing Doohan wants to make sure of.

“I want to stay just the same guy, the same person who I was growing up … just a kid from Oz,” he said.

“I never want to become anything more than that as a person.”

Doohan isn’t competing in any racing category full-time in 2024, that doesn’t mean he’s not busy.

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Doohan’s reserve role will see him trackside at each of the 24 grands prix in the longest F1 season ever, and he will complete extensive testing in the simulator.

He will also drive the current car, driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, in several opening practice sessions this season.

At the last F1 race in Saudi Arabia, Doohan watched on as former F2 rival and Ferrari reserve driver Ollie Bearman made his debut as a substitute for Carlos Sainz.

So while keeping one eye on 2025, Doohan has to remain prepared to be thrown into the deep end at short notice.

But whatever the situation his debut could come in, Doohan is confident he’s ready for the pressures of F1.

“I’ve been in the car a few times in FP1 last year, and pre-season testing and also at the start of the year with the two boys in Barcelona with the 2021 car,” he told Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

“I’m always there and on it as well straight away, so I’m confident that I can perform in F1 machinery. 

“It’s a different ball game obviously on the Grand Prix weekend, but that’s what I’m preparing for.”

In Melbourne, Doohan senior and junior took part in an on-track demonstration – Junior at the wheel of a 2000 Benetton F1 car, as the Alpine team was then known, with Senior on one of his championship-winning bokes.

Jack has had his old man by his side “since day dot”.

“Through every step – through karting into Europe, into the low levels of formula racing,” he said.

“It’s been really, really good to have him in my corner. You get older and more mature and realise that looking back, everything (he’s done) has been to help me and point me in the right direction. 

“He’s the one guy who is there to actually support me…