Jack Doohan secures Haas reserve seat: a second chance for the Australian after Alpine setback

Jack Doohan has secured a lifeline in Formula 1, joining Haas F1 Team as reserve driver for the 2026 season. The Australian will share reserve duties with Japan's Ryo Hirakawa, marking a significant turning point after a turbulent period with Alpine that saw his race seat disappear within weeks.

The 23-year-old, son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, arrives at the American outfit with fresh F1 experience and a determination to prove himself at motorsport's highest level. After three seasons as Alpine's reserve driver spanning 2023, 2024, and 2025, Doohan's appointment represents both a stabilizing move for his career and a strategic addition to Haas's technical infrastructure as the sport prepares for major regulation changes heading into 2026.

From Alpine's disappointment to Haas's opportunity

Doohan's Alpine story was painful but brief. The Australian made his F1 debut during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and began the 2025 campaign competing in the opening rounds. However, his stint proved short-lived. He started seven grands prix for the Enstone-based team but was unable to register any championship points before being replaced by Argentine Franco Colapinto as early as May.

Despite the setback, Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu identified value in Doohan's experience. "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 stated. The principal emphasized the often-overlooked demands of the reserve role: "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."

A critical moment and a crucial decision

Doohan's assignment to Haas came after his planned move to Super Formula fell through at the last moment. The Australian had been set to compete in Japan's premier single-seater series for 2026 but his plans collapsed following a significant accident during the Suzuka rookie test in December, where he crashed three times at Degner 2 corner.

This reversal forced Doohan to reassess his options, but Haas's offer proved timely. Rather than pursuing untested alternatives, the American team secured a driver with direct experience of modern F1 operations—something that matters considerably in today's simulator-driven development environment.

Haas's strategic thinking for 2026

The signing reflects Haas's pragmatic approach to the 2026 reset. With major technical regulations incoming, the team benefits from having a reserve driver already integrated into its infrastructure. Doohan brings exposure to different power unit and chassis philosophies from his Alpine tenure, offering useful reference points during early development phases when design directions remain fluid.

Much of Doohan's contribution will occur in the simulator, where testing restrictions mean racing weekends are increasingly built during off-track work. Simulator feedback guides car balance, upgrade paths, and setup direction—critical areas where Doohan's presence can provide immediate value.

Doohan's statement of intent

Reflecting his commitment to rebuilding his career, Doohan expressed enthusiasm about his new role. "I'm thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team," the Australian said. "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."

For Doohan, this reserve position provides a potential pathway back to regular race appearances—should opportunities arise through injury or underperformance from main drivers. More immediately, it anchors him within Formula 1 operations, keeping him embedded in technical briefings, testing duties, and simulator sessions that ensure he remains race-ready.

The 2026 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8, providing Doohan with a symbolic return to his home nation as he begins his Haas chapter. Whether this role becomes a springboard to a competitive race seat or a valuable learning experience, Doohan's second act in Formula 1 officially begins now.