Haas sign Jack Doohan as reserve driver

Jack Doohan was the first driver to lose their seat in last season’s driver market. After barely a handful of races with Alpine, the Australian was replaced for the Imola GP with Argentina’s Franco Colapinto.

As it became increasingly clear he was no longer in Alpine’s plans, Doohan decided to leave the Enstone team.

The 23-year-old has spent recent weeks trying to plot the next stages of his career. The announcement of his new role as Haas reserve driver is an important boost for his career prospects.

Doohan and Komatsu on latest Haas deal

In many ways, Doohan was fighting a losing battle the moment he joined Alpine. His F1 debut was in the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP, replacing Esteban Ocon after his abrupt departure from Team Enstone.

Although Doohan continued as an Alpine driver in early 2025, his seat never felt secure.

Even before the beginning of the season, Alpine’s Flavio Briatore confirmed he was in talks with Franco Colapinto. The Argentine ended up signing with the French outfit in January 2025, a move which put Doohan’s position under immediate risk.

Having completed just a seven-race stint before being side-lined, Doohan has been exploring his options for 2026. At one point, the 23-year-old was expected to compete in SuperFormula this year – but this failed to materialise.

The Australian will instead share the role of Haas reserve driver with Ryo Hirakawa:

“I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team,” said Doohan. “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.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has also reflected on Doohan’s arrival:

“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.

“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.”

Recovering from a difficult 2025

This year’s driver market is expected to be extremely volatile. Most drivers are on expiring contracts, and even those who still have multiple years left on their deals have exit clauses that should give them room for manoeuvre.

For Doohan, this provides a potential path back to Formula 1. Of course, he is not the only person aiming to secure a seat.

Several drivers, including those who lost out last season, will be active in the paddock. There is also the prospect of young talents in Formula 2 attracting attention from the grid.

As a result, it could be challenging for Doohan to make a compelling case for teams to sign him for 2027. Still, the 23-year-old is at least in the mix – something that was uncertain until now.