In profile: Jack Doohan

Jack Doohan topped the final day of post-season testing in 2020 and is now set to embark on his second season of Formula 3 with Trident. We get to know the 20-year-old a little better with an inside look at his biggest achievements, his racing heroes, and his favourite tracks.

NAME: Jack Doohan DATE OF BIRTH: 20/01/2003 NATIONALITY: Australian 2021 TEAM: Trident

FIRST RACING MEMORY

“On four wheels, my first race in go-karts, which was back in 2011. I live in Queensland and the race was in New South Wales, just over the border. I started at the back with P plates and the competition was quite high, no excuses… but I remember getting lapped! That is all I can remember, but I know that enjoyed it and I went back the following weekend and won.

“In general, ever since I can remember, before anything to do with four wheels, it was bikes and dirt bikes. I don’t think my Dad really influenced that too much, he wasn't going around and telling us that he was a MotoGP World Champion, it was more that the house was full of bikes and go-karts, so I grew up around it.

“I remember on career day at school when I was about five, I went in wearing all of the racing gear, big boots and all!”

RACING STYLE

“I don't know if it is a style, but I think I am best around high-speed, fast corners, I just seem to be able to make it work. I would say that in 2020, I was guilty of over driving and pushing too hard in certain circumstances, but on high-speed circuits, I feel like I am quite smooth.

“There is a track in the UK called Thruxton, which is high speed and I feel like I work really well around a track like that. Whereas, a slow-speed sector like the third one at Barcelona, isn’t my strength. That’s an area of racing that I am working on.”

BIGGEST RACING ACHIEVEMENT

“I have had a few wins and a few podiums, but I wouldn’t really choose any of those as accomplishments. I think that it is more the overall journey to this point. 2020 was clearly tough and it was a struggle in many ways, but I am hoping that it will improve me for the better. I think it will make me a better sportsman and a better driver.”

RACING HERO

“Michael Schumacher. I was fortunate enough that he was a family friend from a young age. Michael used to visit us in Australia occasionally and stay with us because my dad and him were friends. They lived next door to each other in Monaco at one point.

“Michael gave me and my sister our first go-kart when we were three. Given everything he has accomplished and his whole mentality, he is someone who I look up to massively.

“My father as well because of how much he achieved, knowing that he came from nothing. He has given me the opportunity to be able to do this and I have been very fortunate to have been brought into this life. My dad didn’t have that luxury, so his dedication and work ethic were above and beyond and I hugely look up to that.”

FAVOURITE TRACK ON THE F3 CALENDAR

“Zandvoort looks awesome and I am excited by that. I tested there in 2018 and loved it, it is very old school.”