Jack Doohan has been officially appointed as a reserve driver for the Haas F1 Team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, completing the squad alongside Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman, and Ryō Hirakawa. The 23-year-old Australian advances his F1 ambitions with Haas after gaining race experience with Alpine, marking a significant step in his career.
Doohan made his Formula 1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and participated in six grands prix throughout the 2025 season for Alpine before returning to a reserve driver role. His transition to Haas aims to reinforce his presence in the sport amid ongoing competition and driver lineup changes.
Doohan’s Return to F1 Following Alpine Stint
Doohan first appeared in the F1 paddock with Alpine during the 2025 season, initially stepping in at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a substitute for Esteban Ocon. His entry came amid rumors that his position was temporary, linked to Flavio Briatore’s plans to introduce Franco Colapinto. Despite completing six races, Doohan did not score points during his tenure.
While Colapinto also struggled to secure points, speculation about Doohan’s potential return persisted late into the season. However, Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s team principal, dismissed these rumors, and Doohan parted ways with Alpine in the off-season.
Facing limited F1 opportunities for 2026, Doohan explored competing in Super Formula, taking part in a test session at Suzuka with Kondo Racing in mid-December. Still, he ultimately decided against pursuing that path, focusing exclusively on Formula 1 prospects instead.
By joining Haas as an official reserve driver, Doohan continues to pursue his goal of establishing a lasting presence within the sport, collaborating with Japan’s Ryō Hirakawa, who also holds a reserve role for the team.
Confirmed Drivers and Schedule for the 2026 F1 Season
The full lineup of drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship now includes Lewis Hamilton, alongside other confirmed professionals across teams. The new season will kick off in Australia, marking the start of a 24-race calendar that will see several circuit changes and adjustments.
Although Haas has yet to reveal the specific details of Doohan’s involvement during the 2026 season, regulations will influence his participation. Since drivers with more than seven grands prix appearances are ineligible for mandatory FP1 rookie sessions, Doohan will not take part in those rookie runs.
However, he is expected to be involved in Testing of Previous Car sessions alongside Haas and their title sponsor, Toyota, which will allow him to stay race-ready and contribute to team development.
Statements from Jack Doohan and Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu
Doohan expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating,
“I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team. It’s 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. I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season.”
Ayao Komatsu, Haas’ team principal, highlighted Doohan’s valuable experience, saying,
“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 continued,
“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.”
He concluded,
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jack and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions.”
The Importance of Doohan’s Role and Future Prospects
Jack Doohan’s appointment as Haas’ reserve driver carries significance for both his personal career and the team’s strategic planning for the upcoming season. As Haas competes in an evolving F1 environment, having reliable reserve drivers like Doohan and Hirakawa ensures preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances during race weekends.
Doohan’s continued involvement in testing opportunities and development programs with Haas and Toyota will offer him essential track time and valuable insights into team operations. His presence supports the team’s long-term objectives while keeping his dream of race participation alive.
Looking ahead, Doohan’s commitment to remaining in Formula 1 reflects his desire to establish himself as a regular competitor. With the 2026 season fast approaching and a full calendar on the horizon, this position offers a crucial stepping stone in his quest for a permanent race seat.
