Doohan Eyes 2027 F1 Comeback as Haas Reserve Driver

Jack Doohan is treating the 2027 season as his last real shot at securing a full-time Formula 1 seat, admitting that his window to return is rapidly closing. The 23-year-old Australian is serving as a Haas reserve driver in 2026 after Alpine dropped him just six races into the previous year.

Why it matters:

Doohan's predicament reflects the unforgiving nature of the F1 driver market, where once-promising prospects can quickly slide off the grid entirely. His blunt assessment that 2027 is effectively a deadline underscores how difficult it is to claw back a race seat after losing momentum.

The details:

• Doohan linked up with Haas in February 2026 following his Alpine exit, an ousting he believes was predetermined before the 2025 season started.
• However, he has not yet driven any Haas F1 machinery because reserve schedules were already allocated, with another driver in place.
• To stay race-fit, Doohan is contesting the European Le Mans Series and will make his Le Mans debut with Nielsen Racing in LMP2 next weekend.
• He admitted endurance racing remains a major adjustment, noting the mental challenge of night stints and driver changes after just four months in the discipline.
• Despite the sideline status, Doohan insists his presence on race weekends proves to the paddock that "I am a racing driver."

What's next:

With teams already considering their 2027 lineups, Doohan knows he must leverage his Haas connections and competitive outings to force his way back onto the grid. If no F1 opportunity opens up, he has hinted at pursuing other racing avenues, but a grand prix return remains his sole priority.