Jack Doohan, the former Alpine Formula 1 driver, is being linked with a surprising return to the sport, as the Haas team reportedly considers him for a reserve driver position amid growing speculation about Toyota’s involvement in both Super Formula and Formula 1. The rumors follow a challenging period for Doohan, whose uneven start to the 2025 F1 season saw him dropped by Alpine after only six races, raising questions about his racing future.
Doohan’s Alpine Exit and Uncertain Future
The 22-year-old Australian driver’s aspirations suffered a serious setback when Alpine cut him from their roster before midseason, leaving Oscar Piastri as the sole Australian on the grid. Left without a seat, Doohan found himself searching for opportunities to keep his Formula 1 ambitions alive.
Despite this sudden halt, Doohan’s determination did not waver. Shortly after his F1 exit, he took part in a post-season Super Formula test at Japan’s renowned Suzuka Circuit, seeking to impress Super Formula teams and keep his motorsport career on track. However, his debut was far from smooth.
Super Formula Test Setbacks at Suzuka
During the three-day test at Suzuka, Doohan repeatedly came undone at the notoriously unforgiving Degner 1 corner. On the opening day, he spun and struck the barriers with the rear of his car. Day two brought further disappointment when he went off track and impacted the barriers head-on. By the third day, another miscalculation over the kerbs led to yet another crash. While Doohan emerged physically unhurt, the sequence of mishaps delivered a hard blow to his confidence and may have complicated his bid to secure a key team spot.
Toyota Partnership Fueling F1 Return Rumors
Despite the disappointment, hope remains for Doohan’s career thanks to speculation about a full-time seat with Kondo Racing in Super Formula in 2026. Kondo Racing, with significant support from automotive powerhouse Toyota, has become the center of rumors suggesting that a strong performance by Doohan could reopen the doors to Formula 1, potentially with Haas. Industry whispers hint at the possibility of Doohan accepting a reserve role at Haas, which would allow him to maintain a connection to the F1 paddock while competing in Super Formula with Toyota’s backing.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is said to have voiced his reservations about Toyota influencing the team’s driver lineup, reportedly preferring to keep the arrangement independent. Still, a reserve role for Doohan is seen as a potential win for both sides, giving the young Australian valuable F1 experience while enabling him to demonstrate his capabilities and readiness for a future full-time drive.
The Path Forward: Super Formula and Beyond
For Doohan, the next steps are clear. A successful season in Super Formula—potentially mirroring Liam Lawson’s campaign that captured headlines in 2023—could revitalize his image and sharpen his racecraft. Industry insiders believe that a commanding performance is essential for Doohan if he hopes to position himself for a return to the Formula 1 grid by 2027.
The path remains daunting, and recent setbacks have left Doohan with much to prove. However, in the fast-paced and unpredictable world of high-level motorsport, moments of adversity often precede dramatic comebacks. With the rumor mill buzzing about a Jack Doohan Haas F1 comeback, all eyes will be on his progress in Super Formula and his ability to seize the second chance many thought might never come.
As Jack Doohan works to rebuild his racing reputation, the echoes of past errors—and the promise of redemption—will ensure that his next moves are watched closely by fans, teams, and rivals alike.
