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Jack Doohan will return to competitive racing in 2026 after Nielsen Racing confirmed the Australian will contest the European Le Mans Series, marking a significant new chapter alongside his Formula 1 reserve duties with Haas.
The 23-year-oldâs F1 trajectory stalled abruptly last season when Alpine released him after just six rounds, promoting Franco Colapinto in his place. The early exit cast doubt over whether the 2021 FIA F3 runner-up could revive his single-seater ambitions.
Now installed as a reserve driver at Haas for the current campaign, Doohan has secured a vital opportunity to remain active on track. His focus will shift to endurance racing, where he is set to drive Nielsenâs No. 24 ORECA 07 Gibson LMP2 prototype in the 2026 ELMS season.
He will form part of an entirely new line-up alongside Roy Nissany and Edward Pearson. Nissany arrives with previous F1 test experience and made his ELMS debut last year with Duqueine, while Pearson also transitions from single-seater competition.
For Doohan, the move represents a clear departure from the open-wheel machinery that has defined his career to date. Yet the Australian is embracing the change.
"I'm very excited to be back racing â it's almost going to be 12 months since my last race," said Doohan. "Amazing to do it with Nielsen Racing and to make this transition into sports cars."
Doohan acknowledged that his preparation time in the ORECA has been limited, though his early impressions are positive despite the fundamental contrasts to Formula 1 machinery.
A proposed switch to Japanâs Super Formula collapsed after disappointing test results, making the Nielsen drive particularly important in maintaining competitive momentum. The ELMS campaign not only delivers valuable race mileage but also keeps Doohan visible to potential F1 suitors.
He highlighted the stark differences between prototypes and single-seaters:
"Obviously, the first thing was a roof over my head and some obstructions in view, but nevertheless it's a nice variation in the driving style, obviously multiple stints meaning more than one driver and a bigger picture taken to play for," he explained.
"All in all, it will help and be a massive experience gain for wherever my career goes past here."
Doohanâs confirmation leaves only a handful of LMP2 seats remaining ahead of the season opener in Barcelona on 12 April. The timing affords minimal preparation before competitive action begins, placing added emphasis on rapid adaptation.
However, Nielsen Racingâs experience in the category is expected to support Doohanâs transition as he balances endurance commitments with his responsibilities at Haas.
For a driver seeking to rebuild momentum after a difficult chapter in Formula 1, the 2026 ELMS campaign offers both a reset and a platform â one that could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of his career.
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.