Jack Doohan, the promising Australian driver, is not ready to give up on his Formula 1 dreams just yet. Despite a challenging journey in the world of motorsport, Doohan is set to embark on a new chapter with Haas as a reserve driver for the 2026 season. This move comes after a turbulent stint with Alpine, where he was promoted to F1 for the final race of 2024, only to be dropped mid-2025 after months of speculation regarding his position.
Doohan’s return to the F1 spotlight with Haas is seen as a strategic attempt to rebuild his career and secure a full-time seat by 2027. “I’m thrilled to join Haas,” Doohan expressed, describing the American-owned team as “the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career.” He added, “I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together.”
Doohan’s Journey: From Alpine to Haas
Jack Doohan, son of five-time 500cc motorcycle champion Mick Doohan, had been a long-serving academy and reserve driver for Alpine. However, after a short-lived promotion to the main team, he found himself back in a reserve role and eventually parted ways with Alpine at the start of the year. His move to Haas marks a significant step in his quest to re-establish himself in Formula 1.
The decision to join Haas was not made in isolation. Doohan was reportedly in talks with several teams for a reserve role for 2026, but Haas emerged as the most viable option. This choice aligns with his potential full-time racing plans in Japan’s Super Formula, where he was in discussions with the Toyota-backed Kondo Racing team. The connection between Toyota and Haas, particularly in their driver program, made the alignment between the two teams evident.
The Haas Connection and Future Prospects
The partnership between Haas and Toyota, which began as a technical collaboration in 2024 and expanded into a title sponsorship agreement for 2026, plays a crucial role in Doohan’s career strategy. The team, now known as TGR Haas, benefits from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s branding and resources, including a private testing program and a new simulator set to open later this year.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed enthusiasm about Doohan’s addition, stating, “We are very excited for Jack to join the team given the strength of his racing resume and his experience as a reserve driver in Formula 1.” Komatsu highlighted the challenges and dedication required to remain prepared for racing while integrating into the team.
“The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it’s challenging for any driver — especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level,” Komatsu said.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
As the 2026 season approaches, Doohan’s role at Haas will be pivotal. With both full-time Haas drivers potentially out of contract by the end of the year, Doohan has a unique opportunity to position himself as a strong candidate for a full-time seat in 2027. Esteban Ocon, the team’s senior driver, and Oliver Bearman, a Ferrari development driver, are both in uncertain positions, which could work in Doohan’s favor.
Bearman, despite a rocky start to his rookie season, ended as Haas’s lead driver, outperforming Ocon in several key metrics. His performance has sparked speculation about potential moves within the F1 grid, especially if Ferrari faces a challenging year. This scenario could open doors for Doohan, should Bearman or Ocon vacate their seats.
Simulator and Testing: Key to Doohan’s Development
Doohan’s experience with simulators, honed during his time at Alpine, will be invaluable at Haas. The team’s new simulator, a product of their Toyota partnership, will allow Doohan to engage in parallel practice programs and contribute to the team’s development efforts. His previous simulator work, credited with aiding Alpine’s performance at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, underscores his potential impact at Haas.
However, Doohan will share reserve duties with Toyota driver Ryō Hirakawa, which may limit his time in the 2026 car. Hirakawa, a two-time World Endurance Champion, will fulfill the mandatory practice sessions for inexperienced drivers, leaving Doohan to focus on other aspects of his role.
The Road Ahead: A Second Chance at F1
Securing a second chance in Formula 1 is no small feat, and Doohan’s journey with Haas represents a critical step in his comeback bid. The team’s evolving partnership with Toyota and the potential reshuffling of drivers at the end of the season could work in his favor. As Doohan navigates this new chapter, his contributions to Haas’s development and his ability to seize opportunities will be crucial in determining his future on the F1 grid.
While the road ahead is uncertain, Jack Doohan’s determination and strategic positioning with Haas may well pave the way for a successful return to Formula 1.
