The news that Jack Doohan is set to race for Alpine this weekend heralds the arrival of a famous racing surname to the F1 grid. As the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, Jack will undoubtedly carry the weight of great expectations.
But Doohan's arrival in F1 is not the first - or the last - time a racing legend's offspring has sought to forge their own path. The grid has seen several father-son combinations who have cemented their legacies in motorsport history.
Here is a closer look at five iconic father-son duos who made their mark.
1. Carlos Sainz and Carlos Sainz Junior
Carlos Sainz Senior was not an F1 driver, but he is a rallying legend.
Known as 'El Matador', he is a two-time World Rally Champion (1990, 1992). In all he claimed 26 victories and became synonymous with grit and determination in the World Rally Championship. His versatility shone through as he transitioned to the Dakar Rally, where he won the prestigious event four times, the most recent of which this year.
His son, Carlos Sainz Jr., took a different route, choosing Formula 1. Sainz Jr. debuted in 2015 and has steadily risen to prominence. Driving for Ferrari since 2021, he clinched his first F1 win at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
While his father ruled off-road terrains, Sainz Jr. has mastered the circuits, proving the Sainz name thrives across motorsport disciplines. Now with four Grand Prix wins to his name, Sainz is set to leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Lewis Hamilton. He will drive for Williams in 2025.
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2. Nelson Piquet and Nelson Piquet Junior
Nelson Piquet Sr., a three-time Formula 1 World Champion (1981, 1983, 1987), was known for his tactical brilliance and daring overtakes. His illustrious career with Brabham, Williams, Lotus, and Benetton cemented his status as one of Brazil's racing legends.
His son, Nelson Piquet Jr., had a less celebrated F1 career. Racing for Renault in 2008 and 2009, Piquet Jr. is most infamous for his role in the “Crashgate” scandal, where he deliberately crashed to benefit teammate Fernando Alonso. After F1, Piquet Jr. found redemption in Formula E, becoming the series’ first-ever champion in 2014-15.
3. Keke and Nico Rosberg
Finland's Keke Rosberg secured his place in F1 history with his 1982 World Championship win. Known for his tenacity and flair, Keke’s career saw him shine during an era dominated by mechanical failures and fierce competition. He was a contemporary of drivers like Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell.
His son, Nico Rosberg, took his father’s legacy to new heights. Driving for Mercedes, Nico battled fiercely with teammate Lewis Hamilton to claim the 2016 F1 World Championship.
Unlike his father, Nico retired at the peak of his career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Together, they became the second father-son duo after the Hills (Graham and Damon) to win F1 titles, a rare feat in motorsport.
4. Jos and Max Verstappen
Jos Verstappen had a solid if unspectacular F1 career, best known for his podium finishes with Benetton in 1994 where he drove alongside the legendary Michael Schumacher.
While he never won a Grand Prix, Jos was respected for his technical feedback and resilience during his decade-long stint in the sport. While Jos would probably have gone down as a footnote in driving history, his role as manager to his son has elevated his profile significantly.
Max Verstappen has long ago eclipsed his father’s achievements. Bursting onto the F1 scene as the youngest driver ever in 2015, Max redefined the sport’s standards.
Now a four-time World Champion (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and the face of Red Bull Racing, Max’s aggressive driving style and dominance have made him one of F1’s greatest talents - even if he does sometimes divide public opinion.
5. Michael and Mick Schumacher
Michael Schumacher, a name synonymous with greatness, reigned as a seven-time World Champion. His record-breaking career with Ferrari and Mercedes made him the most decorated driver in F1 history.
Schumacher’s meticulous preparation and relentless pursuit of excellence set benchmarks that still inspire drivers today.
His son, Mick Schumacher, followed in his father’s footsteps, first excelling in junior categories like Formula 3 and Formula 2. Mick joined Haas in F1 in 2021, displaying flashes of his father’s determination.
While his F1 career has faced challenges, his presence kept the Schumacher legacy alive on the grid. Not racing in F1 now, Schumacher remained on the fringes as a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.
In November 2024, he announced he was going to dedicate his time to his role with Alpine in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
These father-son duos embody racing’s generational legacy, proving that talent and passion often run in the family. As Jack Doohan steps onto motorsport’s grandest stage, he carries not just his own aspirations, but also the pride of continuing this enduring tradition.