Jack Doohan has secured a position within the Formula 1 paddock for the 2026 season, joining Haas as one of their reserve drivers after parting ways with Alpine. The Australian driver, aged 23, will serve alongside Japanese racer Ryo Hirakawa, supporting the main race drivers, Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, for Haas.
Doohan became a free agent earlier this year following Alpine’s decision to release him from his reserve driver contract. He started the 2025 season as a race driver for Alpine but was demoted mid-season, replaced by Franco Colapinto after six rounds.
Concerns Rise Over Doohan’s Role at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix
After Alpine’s release, Doohan’s career path took him to Haas, but fans are apprehensive about his upcoming duties, particularly at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. This event, scheduled as the third round of the season, has been problematic for Doohan, who crashed at high speed during practice at the 2025 Japanese GP and faced multiple crashes during a December Super Formula test at the same circuit.
Fans have voiced their concerns strongly on social media platforms like Reddit, fearing that Haas may regret relying on Doohan if either Bearman or Ocon cannot race in Japan. One fan remarked,
Boy, they’re gonna have their fingers crossed leading up to Suzuka.
Another added,
Don’t let him use his services at Suzuka, no matter what!
Some fans shared their worries about potential car damage if Doohan races at Suzuka, with one stating,
Hopefully it won’t be at Suzuka, or the car will be destroyed! That’s the only thing he showed he can do in F1.
Another fan questioned,
But not for Suzuka, right? Right?
Additional commentary reflects the tense atmosphere around Doohan’s presence at Suzuka:
[Haas] should be fine as long as neither Ocon nor Bearman have to skip Suzuka.
and
Say what you want about the man, but he loves himself a Suzuka crash.
Haas may well rely on Doohan to step in if Bearman or Ocon are unable to compete. Bearman enters the 2026 season dangerously close to a one-race ban, holding 10 penalty points and requiring only two more before suspension. These points expire only after May 23, increasing the risk of him missing the Japanese round.
Details of Doohan’s High-Speed Crash at Suzuka in 2025
During the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, Doohan crashed at Turn 1 in the second practice session. Alpine had bench him temporarily to allow Hirakawa to run in the first practice session. The crash occurred because Doohan failed to manually close the DRS flap before entering the high-speed right-hander, a crucial detail he mistakenly omitted. This oversight contributed to a severe and dangerous accident at approximately 185 mph.
Despite efforts, Doohan qualified towards the back, starting P19/20, and managed to finish the race in P15, revealing a challenging race weekend. He had relied on simulator experience to guide his approach, operating under the impression that closing the DRS flap was unnecessary at that corner, a belief not corrected by any team member before the session.
Challenges in Doohan’s Super Formula Ambitions and Future Plans
Suzuka continued to bring difficulties for Doohan during the post-season Super Formula testing in December 2025. He crashed multiple times at the challenging Degner 2 corner across all three days of the test. Unable to fully address these issues while still under Alpine’s contract, his racing prospects appeared uncertain.
Doohan tested with Kondo Racing, aiming to compete in the 2026 Super Formula Championship. However, his plans unraveled after discovering that the team expected him to fund his own seat, complicating his career progression. The involvement of Toyota-affiliated teams added complexity to this situation.
Implications for Haas and the Future of Jack Doohan’s F1 Career
With Haas signing Doohan as a reserve driver, the American squad fills an essential gap in their 2026 lineup. However, the decision has sparked unease among F1 fans who remember Doohan’s crash-prone history, especially in Japan. As Bearman and Ocon aim to avoid penalties and injuries, Haas will hope to keep Doohan’s appearances on track limited.
Doohan’s career trajectory indicates volatility; his recent setbacks at Suzuka and failed Super Formula deal reflect ongoing struggles to find consistent footing. How Haas manages his reserve role and whether Doohan can rise to the occasion when called upon could significantly influence both his future and the team’s performance in 2026 and beyond.
Jack Doohan to be Haas reserve driver in 2026
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