In a surprising turn of events, axed Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan has been handed a reprieve for the 2026 season, securing a reserve driver role with the Haas team. The 23-year-old Australian will take on this new position after his first stint as a full-time F1 competitor was cut short abruptly last year.
From Alpine Exit to Haas Opportunity
Doohan's initial Formula 1 journey came to a brutal end during the 2025 campaign when he was dropped from his race seat at Alpine after just seven appearances with the team. Argentine driver Franco Colapinto replaced him, and despite Colapinto also failing to score points for the remainder of the season, Alpine's de facto boss Flavio Briatore retained him for 2026 while releasing Doohan from his contract.
The young driver, who had been associated with Alpine since 2022, found himself without a Formula 1 seat and was believed to be close to joining the Japanese Super Formula championship this year. Instead, he will now serve as backup to Haas race drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, marking a significant second chance in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Doohan's Enthusiasm for New Role
Expressing his delight at the appointment, Doohan stated: "I'm thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team. It's the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career. I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together. I'm eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season."
Doohan, son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan, will share reserve duties with 31-year-old Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa. His responsibilities will include on-site appearances at Grand Prix events and extensive simulator activity to support the team's development programme.
Potential Pathway to 2027 Race Seat
This reserve position could potentially open doors to a full race seat at Haas for the 2027 season, with both Ocon and Bearman's futures beyond this campaign remaining uncertain. British driver Bearman, aged just 20, has been particularly linked with a possible move to Ferrari should either Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc depart the Scuderia in the coming seasons.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed his excitement about Doohan's arrival, highlighting the driver's credentials and determination. "I'm personally very excited to have Jack join us on the team given the strength of his racing resume and of course his experience in being a reserve driver in Formula 1," Komatsu stated.
"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. I've enjoyed getting to know Jack and we're looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The 2026 Formula 1 championship is set to commence with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March, providing Doohan with an early opportunity to contribute to his new team's efforts. His appointment represents a significant career revival for the young Australian, who now has the chance to prove his worth in Formula 1's competitive environment once again.
This development underscores the unpredictable nature of motorsport careers, where setbacks can quickly transform into new opportunities with different teams. Doohan's journey from Alpine race driver to reserve role at Haas demonstrates the resilience required to navigate Formula 1's challenging landscape.
