Here’s a bold statement: Jack Doohan’s racing career just took a surprising turn, and it’s one that could reshape his future in Formula 1. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many expected him to dive into Japan’s Super Formula series, he’s instead landed a reserve role with Haas F1 for 2026, eyeing a full-time return to the grid in 2027. Why the shift? And what does this mean for his trajectory? Let’s break it down.
Doohan’s journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. After making his F1 debut in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Alpine and competing in the first six rounds of the 2025 season, his time with the team took an unexpected turn. Despite being the first Alpine junior to race for them in F1, he was replaced by Franco Colapinto from the seventh round onward. And this is the part most people miss—Doohan wasn’t just dropped from a race seat; he was also barred from testing, leaving him in a reduced reserve role. By early 2026, Alpine and Doohan officially parted ways, opening the door for him to explore new opportunities.
Haas emerged as the most logical destination, offering a clear path back to the F1 grid—even if a race seat isn’t guaranteed. With Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon currently in the lineup, Haas provides Doohan a chance to stay sharp and involved. Bearman’s primary contract with Ferrari and Ocon’s uncertain future beyond 2026 make Haas a team to watch for potential openings. Plus, Haas’s growing test program, bolstered by their Toyota partnership, gives Doohan valuable track time in older cars—a perk not to be overlooked.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why did the Super Formula move collapse? Despite testing with the Kondo team at Suzuka last year, negotiations fell apart due to disagreements over how to improve the competitiveness of their #4 car. Engineering setups, a common sticking point in Super Formula, became a major hurdle. Doohan’s team sought compromises to boost performance, but these weren’t aligned with Kondo’s vision. Instead, Ukyo Sasahara joined Williams junior Luke Browning at Kondo, leaving Doohan’s Super Formula dreams on hold.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed enthusiasm about Doohan’s arrival, highlighting the challenge of staying race-ready while integrating into a new team. “It’s demanding for any driver, especially one eager to compete at this level,” Komatsu noted. “We’re excited to welcome Jack and benefit from his contributions.”
So, is Haas the perfect stepping stone for Doohan’s F1 ambitions? Or is this just another detour in a career full of twists? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Haas offering no guarantees and Super Formula off the table, is Doohan making the right move, or is he risking further stagnation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
