Doohan back in the F1 saddle with Haas amid 2027 speculation

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Jack Doohan was back in the cockpit of a Formula 1 car last weekend, hitting the track at Spain’s Circuit de Jerez for Haas’ latest Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program.

The outing marked the Australian’s first time driving Grand Prix machinery since his departure from Alpine mid-season in 2025.

Sharing driving duties alongside Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa and Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi, Doohan took to social media to celebrate the milestone, calling it an “Incredible feeling to be back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car” while expressing his gratitude to Haas.

The Jerez test comes at a pivotal moment as Haas evaluates its options for its future driver lineup. With Esteban Ocon’s seat under scrutiny and Oliver Bearman expected to remain, the American squad is using TPC sessions – which also recently included Ferrari junior Rafael Camara and McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli at Portimao – to gauge prospective talent.

Team Principal Ayao Komatsu made it clear that manufacturer ties and commercial backing will take a backseat to raw lap time.

“We’re not going to take somebody who is three tenths slower... it’s all about performance first,” Komatsu emphasized, noting that external affiliations might only come into play if drivers are separated by mere hundredths.

With a decision not expected immediately, Doohan has a clear runway to prove he belongs back on the grid.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.