Haas F1 reserve Doohan finds second racing home for 2026

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Haas F1 reserve driver Jack Doohan is charting a new path – and this time, it’s one built on endurance, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

After a turbulent stretch that saw him lose his seat with Alpine in early 2025, the Aussie is stepping back into full-time competition with a move into the European Le Mans Series for 2026. It’s a shift that signals not an ending, but a fresh beginning.

Doohan will line up with Nielsen Racing in their #24 LMP2 entry, sharing driving duties with former Williams F1 test driver Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson. The trio will kick off their campaign at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the season opens with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on April 12.

For Doohan, the opportunity represents more than just a return to racing – it’s a chance to rebuild momentum.

“I’m really excited to be back racing in 2026 and to be joining Nielsen Racing for my first season in LMP2,” said the 23-year-old.

“It’s a new challenge with a lot to learn, but I’m confident we’ll get up to speed quickly with such a strong team around me.”

There’s an unmistakable sense of optimism in his words – an understanding that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.

Strength in numbers, belief in the journey

Endurance racing is as much about teamwork as it is about speed, and Doohan is embracing the dynamic that comes with sharing a car and a common goal.

“With Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson, we have a great mix of experience and hunger, and I’m looking forward to building strong chemistry and pushing for results,” he said.

Behind the wheel of the Oreca 07, Doohan will face a very different challenge from the single-seater world he knows—but one he’s eager to master.

“The Oreca 07 is a fantastic car and a very different challenge, and I can’t wait to get started in the European Le Mans Series.”

While his endurance programme takes center stage, Doohan’s F1 ambitions remain alive. At Haas, he continues to play a key role as a reserve driver alongside Ryo Hirakawa, ensuring he stays sharp and ready should opportunity knock.

And perhaps that’s what makes this next step so compelling. It’s not a detour – it’s a foundation.

For Doohan, 2026 isn’t about looking back. It’s about moving forward, embracing a new discipline, and proving that the road to success in motorsport is rarely a straight line—but always worth the drive.

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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.