Mick Doohan remains silent as son Jack prepares for F1 debut in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, on December 6, 2024, Jack Doohan participated in his first Formula One practice sessions as part of his debut for the Alpine team. The young Australian driver faced a challenging start, finishing 19th of 20 competitors in both practice sessions, significantly trailing his compatriot Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who has been performing well and moving closer to joining a world championship-winning team, provided a contrast to Doohan's experience. Doohan, the son of renowned motorcycling champion Mick Doohan, enjoyed the experience despite the tough performance, stating that he was eager to improve and gain confidence with each lap on the circuit. However, the major news of the day was Ferrari being penalized with a 10-place grid drop for their star driver Charles Leclerc, complicating their chances against McLaren in the championship race. This penalty resulted from Ferrari needing to replace Leclerc's car battery, exceeding the allocated number for the season. Meanwhile, Doohan appreciated his father's presence at the event, sharing a meal and enjoying quality time together. While Mick Doohan opted not to give direct advice before the race, indicating confidence in his son's preparation, Jack emphasized the importance of the entire experience and his determination to learn and adapt during the race weekend. The ongoing dynamics of the race weekend were further influenced by the need for drivers and teams to showcase their skills in front of diminishing rival teams, ensuring that both Piastri and Doohan remained focused on their individual goals.