Doohan's Super Formula Ambition Crashes Out After Suzuka Struggles

Jack Doohan's bid to secure a 2026 Super Formula seat with Kondo Racing has collapsed following a troubled test at Suzuka, leaving the former Alpine F1 driver without a confirmed race program for the upcoming season. The Australian, who mutually parted ways with Alpine in January, was unable to finalize an agreement with the Japanese team after a series of on-track incidents hampered his evaluation. His potential seat will instead go to experienced Japanese driver Ukyo Sasahara.

Why it matters:

For a young driver abruptly exiting the F1 pipeline, securing a competitive seat in a top-tier series like Super Formula is critical for maintaining relevance and development. Doohan's failure to land this drive, compounded by a publicly difficult test, represents a significant setback in his career trajectory at a pivotal moment, raising questions about his next move in global motorsport.

The details:

• Doohan participated in a crucial three-day test with Kondo Racing at the Suzuka Circuit, aiming to impress enough to claim the team's second seat alongside Luke Browning.
• The test was marred by performance, as the 23-year-old crashed his car three times over two days. All incidents occurred at the challenging Degner complex, severely limiting his track time and leaving him off the pace compared to other drivers.
• These struggles ultimately derailed contract negotiations, with the team opting for the proven experience of two-time race winner Ukyo Sasahara instead.
• Doohan's departure from Alpine was confirmed in mid-January, ending his tenure after just six Grand Prix weekends as a reserve driver. He was replaced on the Enstone squad's roster by Franco Colapinto.

What's next:

Doohan's immediate future is now uncertain, but one potential lifeline remains. A reserve driver role with the Haas F1 Team is reportedly still a possibility, potentially as part of a wider discussion involving engine partner Toyota. Securing such a position would at least keep him within the F1 paddock, but it falls short of the regular racing he sought in Super Formula. The episode underscores the precarious nature of a driver's market outside the F1 grid, where a single unsuccessful test can swiftly alter career prospects.