Australia’s Jack Doohan has a foot back in the Formula 1 door, with Haas signing the former Alpine driver as a reserve for its 2026 campaign.
It’s a much-needed fresh start for Doohan, who had a brief and turbulent stint at Alpine last year.
Doohan was demoted by the French team to reserve driver after just seven F1 races — and zero points — and ultimately replaced by Franco Colapinto for the rest of the 2025 season. Doohan and Alpine last month “reached a mutual agreement” to part ways, allowing him to “pursue other career opportunities”.
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It paved the way for Haas to sign Doohan as back up this year for Hass’ full-time drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.
Doohan, the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, had been expected to race in Japan’s Super Formula championship before signing with Haas.
Doohan said Haas was “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,” he said.
“I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season.”
Team principal Ayao Komatsu said he was thrilled to add Doohan to his roster.
“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 said.
“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.”
Doohan will share reserve driver duties with Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who Haas gave several practice sessions to over the 2025 F1 season, and has a technical partnership with the brand.
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