Australian motorsport fans are set for an early look at their newest Formula One star after Alpine confirmed Esteban Ocon had been released ahead of the season finale.

Jack Doohan will make his debut in Abu Dhabi this week after spending the season as a reserve driver for the French racing outfit.

Doohan, son of motorcycle champion Mick, was due to take over for Ocon next season, partnering incumbent and French favourite Pierre Gasley with that announcement made mid-season.

However, Ocon, also French, has opted out of his contract a race early to be available for post-season testing with his new team Haas in the immediate aftermath of the season-clinching event around the Yas Marina Circuit.

“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Reserve Driver Jack Doohan will race in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon. The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi,” a statement from Alpine read.

“Jack, who has already been announced as an official driver for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, will race with the #61 as his registered Reserve Driver number and will also participate in the end-of-season test for the team at the Yas Marina Circuit.

“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future.”

It means Ocon’s rocky time at the team ends on a first-corner crash in Qatar.

Alpine have struggled throughout 2024 despite both of their drivers boasting Grand Prix triumphs and sit sixth in the Constructor’s Championship with a mere 59 points and could yet fall behind Haas who are five points behind.

Alpine boss Oliver Oakes said he was confident Doohan could handle the pressure of being thrown into the car with only days of preparation.

“I think anyone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that, it’s never easy to judge,” he said.

“I think the problem is you’ve got the benchmark Bearman set, which was phenomenal in Saudi. You’ve got – and I mean this in a nice way because he’s hugely talented – Kimi [Antonelli] with the sort of pressure in Monza. But I think at the end of the day Jack’s just got to take it as he finds it.

“I think he’s professional enough to handle it. I think as well, once you ease into the weekend with FP1 and FP2, you can build up to it as well.”