Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren exit may have offered another young Aussie speed demon a golden Formula 1 opportunity, but another rising racing prodigy has lamented the loss of one of the sports role models.
By the time Ricciardo attempts to make a return to the grid in 2024, there may well be three Aussies in the field after Jack Doohan continued his remarkable rise through the ranks.
The 19-year-old made his practice debut in Mexico behind the wheel for Alpine, where he is an Academy driver, on Saturday morning.
Son of five-time legendary MotoGP champion Mick, Doohan slotted into Esteban Ocon’s seat for the opening practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix as the paddock took a gander at the rising stars of racing.
Doohan recorded the 19th fastest time and put himself in a prime position to take the reserve driver spot previously occupied by fellow countryman Oscar Piastri.
Doohan’s rise through the ranks has been inspired by legends such as his father and Michael Schumacher, who kickstarted his karting career, but he also told Sky Sports he was disappointed Ricciardo did not have a seat for next season.
“There’s a lot of sadness for Daniel. He’s been the sole Australian on the grid for many years now since Mark left,” he said.
“A lot of people are devastated. They’re really behind Daniel, his character inside and outside the car, and the enthusiasm he brings to the paddock and the fans is really good for our sport.
“Hopefully (Ricciardo’s time off) is for the right reasons, and he can come back in a year or two, and it will be for the better.”
Doohan revealed he attempted to follow in his father’s footsteps, but a broken leg convinced him to stick to four wheels.
“I broke my leg when I was five riding bikes – I think that scared me,” Doohan said.
“So I kind of stepped aside from the bike and went towards four wheels for a couple of years because one of my buddies was driving a kart. I’d had a kart luckily gifted to me by Michael Schumacher because he and dad were quite close friends; they were neighbours in Monaco.
“He came one time to our home in Australia, and we had a kart track there, so he gifted myself and my sister a go-kart for, I think … my third birthday; it was quite cool.
“Once I was seven, I got back on the four wheels, and I’m quite thankful for it, obviously because I’m way too big and wide to be on two wheels.”
Ricciardo’s practice sessions continued the disappointing trend of the season, finishing 11th fastest in FP1, fifth slowest of the regular drivers.
FP2 was not much better, with both McLarens outside the top 12.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
