Haas has added a fresh splash of Australian flair to its 2026 F1 plans, snapping up Jack Doohan as a reserve driver in a move that blends opportunity, redemption and a second bite at the grand prix apple.
The 23-year-old son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan is not heading back to the grid just yet, but his signing signals that Haas wants proven F1-ready talent waiting in the wings – and hungry for more.
Doohan’s path to this point has been anything but straightforward. Once a rising prospect within both the Red Bull and Alpine academies, he briefly stepped onto the Formula 1 stage with Alpine, starting seven grands prix for the Enstone outfit.
The fairy tale, however, quickly turned into a harsh reality check as he was replaced by Franco Colapinto in may of last year after failing to register a single championship point.
He spent the remainder of 2025 on Alpine’s sidelines as a reserve driver before cutting ties with the team last month. A planned switch to Japan’s Super Formula for 2026 then collapsed dramatically after a bruising rookie test at Suzuka – one that saw him crash three separate times at the unforgiving Degner 2 corner.
Instead of disappearing from the F1 radar, Doohan has landed squarely back in the paddock with Haas, joining Toyota Hypercar star Ryo Hirakawa in the reserve role. The latter has held the position since last April, coinciding with Toyota’s growing technical involvement with the American-owned squad.
For Doohan, the Haas deal represents both lifeline and launchpad – a chance to stay embedded in Formula 1 machinery, data and development rather than watching from afar.
“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.”
The enthusiasm is mutual inside the Haas garage. Team principal Ayao Komatsu made it clear that Doohan’s résumé – and resilience – played a major role in the decision.
“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,” said the Japanese engineer.
"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’s arrival comes as Haas quietly sharpens its competitive ambitions. Following last week’s private pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, Esteban Ocon has voiced confidence that the team can scrap in the midfield this year, with the Frenchman continuing his partnership with rising sophomore Oliver Bearman.
In that context, strengthening the reserve bench is more than administrative housekeeping – it is strategic insurance. Injuries, illnesses and calendar clashes can upend a season in an instant, and Haas now boasts two drivers with serious international pedigree ready to step in.
For Doohan, the mission is clear: stay visible and stay prepared. The grid may not have a seat for him today, but with Haas colours on his overalls and fresh belief in his corner, the door back to full-time Formula 1 competition is no longer closed – just waiting for the right moment to swing open.
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