Jack Doohan: Haas F1 Move & Racing Return Aim

Jack Doohan is embracing a fresh start as the new reserve driver for Haas, describing the opportunity as a “clean slate” and a chance to “get back to the drawing board.” The 23-year-old Australian arrives at the Bahrain International Circuit eager to contribute to the team, following a period of transition in his Formula 1 career.

A Shift in Gears

Doohan’s journey to Haas follows a previous association with Alpine, where he made his F1 debut at the end of the 2024 season and continued into 2025. However, his anticipated full-time role with Alpine was cut short after just six additional Grands Prix.

Did You Know? Jack Doohan finished second in the 2021 F3 championship and third in the 2023 F2 standings.

Unexpected Changes

Franco Colapinto replaced Doohan starting with the 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. This led to Doohan spending the remainder of 2025 on the sidelines before officially parting ways with Alpine at the beginning of 2026. The subsequent confirmation of his role as Haas reserve driver came just weeks later, where he will support regular drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

Looking Ahead

Doohan expressed his enthusiasm for the new environment, noting a warm welcome from the Haas team and a willingness to learn. He acknowledged that the past ten months haven’t been his best, but views this as an opportunity to rebuild and contribute to the team’s success.

Expert Insight: The move to a reserve role, while potentially less visible than a full-time seat, allows Doohan to remain within the Formula 1 ecosystem and gain valuable experience with a different team. This could prove crucial for future opportunities as teams evaluate driver lineups.

Recognizing the need to maintain his racing sharpness, Doohan intends to combine his Haas F1 duties with a separate racing programme. He hasn’t raced extensively in the last two years, sitting out 2024 by team choice and having limited opportunities in 2025, and emphasizes the importance of “race fit” preparation.

Potential for Track Time

Doohan hopes to finalize a racing programme in the coming days, which will allow him to balance trackside attendance at F1 weekends with simulator work at the Haas factory. He also expressed a desire for the opportunity to drive the Haas machinery, acknowledging that any track time would be beneficial for both himself and the team, but that this will depend on the finalized plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jack Doohan’s new role?

Jack Doohan is now the reserve driver for the Haas Formula 1 team, providing support to Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

What team did Doohan previously drive for?

Doohan previously represented Alpine, making his F1 debut with them in 2024 and racing with them into 2025.

Why is Doohan prioritizing racing alongside his reserve driver duties?

Doohan believes it’s “crucial” to stay race fit, as he hasn’t raced much in the past two years and wants to maintain his skills.

As Doohan embarks on this new chapter with Haas, what role do you think a dedicated reserve driver plays in the overall success of a Formula 1 team?