Jack Doohan’s path back to Formula 1 has taken another unexpected turn. After losing his Alpine seat in 2025, there were moments when a return seemed possible, then it faded again.
The Australian was let go just six races into his rookie season. He had struggled to match Pierre Gasly’s pace and suffered a string of crashes, while Flavio Briatore was pushing to bring Franco Colapinto into the team from the start.
Without a route back into Alpine, Doohan left at the end of 2025. He then turned his attention to Super Formula, but even that opportunity didn’t materialise after his test with Kondo Racing at Suzuka.
He’d expected the seat would be free for him but wasn’t aware of any financial expectations from the team. This misunderstanding led them to sign Ukyo Sasahara instead.
With Super Formula no longer an option and no other drives lined up, Doohan looked set for a quiet year until Haas stepped in. The team have named him their reserve driver for 2026, following reports of talks between both parties since late last year.
The 23-year-old says he is ‘thrilled’ to join Haas and called it an ‘ideal place’ for him to continue his F1 career — and he might be right.
Why Jack Doohan’s Move to Haas Could Set Up His Formula 1 Comeback
Haas are heading into the 2026 season with some stability, keeping Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon together after an eighth-place finish under the previous regulations.
The following year could be even more interesting for Haas as the F1 driver market continues to shift. Bearman had a strong rookie season, outpacing his teammate and coming close to a podium in Mexico, which has put him on the radar of bigger teams.
Bearman is widely expected to join Ferrari next season if Lewis Hamilton decides to retire or if Charles Leclerc leaves via an exit clause in his contract. Meanwhile, Ocon finished last year as one of the grid’s most out-of-form drivers, scoring points just nine times. With his contract up at the end of this year, he’ll need a strong campaign to avoid losing his seat.
Given both drivers could move on at the end of 2026, Doohan would be in a prime position to step in as long as he makes a good impression during his reserve role. The move could prove pivotal for his career revival.
Haas seat for Jack Doohan is far from a sure thing in 2026
There’s still a long road ahead for Doohan if he hopes to secure a Haas race seat in 2027. He’ll need to make an impact behind the scenes and prove himself as more than just a name on the roster.
Hirakawa’s growing influence, thanks in part to Toyota’s deepening ties with Haas, could put him in pole position for one of the seats. The Japanese driver has been steadily building his case within the team structure.
Kalle Rovanpera’s switch from rallying to Super Formula is another storyline worth watching. While 2027 might come too soon for him, a strong debut campaign could quickly put him into the conversation for an F1 future.
Ferrari also play a role here. With Bearman coming through their ranks, they might look to place another academy prospect at Haas. Rafael Camara, fresh off an F3 title and stepping up to F2 with Invicta, fits that profile perfectly.
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