Jack Doohan has secured a position as the official reserve driver for Haas ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After beginning his F1 career with Alpine, Doohan will now aim to continue his progression within the sport by joining the American team alongside existing reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa.
Jack Doohan’s Transition from Alpine to Haas
Doohan made his Formula 1 debut driving for Alpine at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and participated in the first six races of the 2025 campaign. However, from the seventh round at Imola, he was reassigned to a reserve driver role and replaced by Franco Colapinto, who initially had a five-race evaluation period but ultimately retained the seat through the end of the 2025 season and into 2026.
In January 2026, Doohan left Alpine while seeking opportunities in other racing series, notably pursuing a drive in Super Formula with Kondo Racing. That deal fell through when the team selected Ukyo Sasahara instead, leaving Doohan ready for new opportunities in Formula 1.
Role and Expectations at Haas for 2026
Doohan’s new role at Haas puts him alongside Ryo Hirakawa, who balances his reserve driver duties with a full-time seat at Toyota’s World Endurance Championship hypercar program. Haas is entering a new era under its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing and will maintain its current racing drivers, Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, for the upcoming season.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed enthusiasm about Doohan’s arrival, highlighting his strong racing background and prior experience as a reserve driver.
“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.”
Komatsu, Haas Team Principal
Jack Doohan himself shared his excitement about the new challenge, saying,
“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.”
Implications for Doohan’s Career and Haas’s Future
By joining Haas as a reserve driver, Doohan stays firmly embedded in the Formula 1 environment, gaining valuable experience during a period of significant regulation changes in the sport. This role offers him a platform to showcase his readiness to return to a full-time race seat while supporting the team’s ambitions in the competitive 2026 season.
For Haas and its partner Toyota Gazoo Racing, having a strong reserve lineup with Doohan and Hirakawa provides added depth and flexibility as the team navigates the new technical regulations and aims to improve its standing in Formula 1.
