Doohan reportedly had Haas deal before Camara’s late 2027 call

Jack Doohan reportedly had a deal in place to race for Haas in 2027 before the team made a late change and signed Rafael Camara instead, according to Will Buxton.

Speaking on Up To Speed, Buxton said he had heard that Doohan was strongly in line for the seat, with the agreement and sponsorship arrangements already settled. He said Haas changed direction after its private test at Jerez, where Camara impressed the team.

Doohan, currently Haas’ test and reserve driver, had been among the candidates for the seat alongside Ryo Hirakawa, Camara and McLaren’s Leonardo Fornaroli. Esteban Ocon is set to leave at the end of 2026 when his contract expires, opening a place alongside Oliver Bearman. Our earlier report covered Doohan’s emergence as a contender before the test.

Camara’s Jerez performance changed the picture

The four candidates took part in a test at Jerez as Haas assessed its options. Camara finished fastest and, according to the report, impressed team leaders with his pace and adaptability. Haas ultimately selected the Brazilian for a full-time seat in 2027.

Doohan’s own test performance was also reported to be strong. Journalist Jacky Martens, speaking via Paddock Access, said the Australian was as much as half a second quicker than Hirakawa. That comparison did not secure Doohan the drive, while Camara’s pace proved decisive for Haas.

Doohan’s bid to return to the grid follows a brief Alpine race stint: he contested the final grand prix of 2024 and the first six events of 2025 before Franco Colapinto replaced him. His subsequent move into Haas’ reserve role kept him close to the team. His father has also criticised Alpine’s handling of his future in a separate account of Doohan’s departure.

Doohan could still get a 2026 opportunity

The immediate question is who will drive for Haas in the remaining races of 2026. Ocon was withdrawn from the Mexico City Grand Prix after an alleged confrontation with team principal Ayao Komatsu, and Hirakawa stepped in, scoring a point on his debut.

Buxton raised the possibility that Doohan could be given a late-season opportunity after missing out on the 2027 seat. The report says he is expected to race in São Paulo, with Hirakawa unavailable and Ferrari not contacted about releasing Camara. Doohan could therefore have a chance to show Haas what he can do, though his participation beyond that event remains uncertain.