Haas signs Jack Doohan as 2026 reserve driver

Haas has signed Jack Doohan as a reserve driver for the 2026 season, providing the young Australian a crucial lifeline back into the Formula 1 paddock after a turbulent period that saw him lose his Alpine race seat and a subsequent move to Super Formula collapse.

Why it matters:

For Doohan, this role is a vital opportunity to remain embedded in the F1 environment, working with current machinery and data, rather than watching his career fade from a distance. For Haas, it strengthens their driver depth with a young, race-experienced talent who is highly motivated to prove himself, adding strategic security alongside existing reserve Ryo Hirakawa.

The details:

• Doohan, 23, is the son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan and a former Red Bull and Alpine academy prospect.
• He started seven Grands Prix for Alpine in 2024 but failed to score a point and was replaced mid-season by Franco Colapinto.
• After serving as a reserve for Alpine, his planned 2026 switch to Japan's Super Formula fell through following a difficult rookie test at Suzuka, where he crashed multiple times.
• Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the value of Doohan's resume and his experience in the specific challenge of being a prepared reserve driver.
• The signing indicates Haas's intent to build a more robust and experienced support squad, pairing Doohan with Toyota Hypercar star and current reserve Ryo Hirakawa.

What's next:

Doohan's immediate task is to integrate with the Haas team, contribute to its development program, and remain ready should a race seat opportunity arise due to injury or other circumstances. The move keeps him firmly on the F1 radar as he aims to eventually secure a full-time return to the grid, with Haas providing the platform for that ambition.