Haas signs Jack Doohan as reserve driver for 2026 F1 season

Jack Doohan has secured a Formula 1 lifeline, joining the TGR Haas F1 Team as a reserve driver for the 2026 season. The move comes after a turbulent 2025 campaign where the Australian lost his Alpine race seat mid-season, and it provides him a crucial platform to remain embedded in the F1 paddock and push for a future return to the grid.

Why it matters:

For Doohan, this role is a vital opportunity to rebuild his standing after a difficult debut season. For Haas, it adds a young, race-experienced driver with recent knowledge of a rival team's operations to their simulator and development pool, strengthening their overall driver lineup behind Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon.

The details:

• Doohan was released by Alpine in January after being replaced by Franco Colapinto just six rounds into the 2025 season, having failed to score a point in an uncompetitive car.
• At Haas, he will join fellow reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, providing the team with dual backup options for its race drivers.
• Team Principal Ayao Komatsu highlighted the value of Doohan's experience, noting the challenge and dedication required to stay ready as a reserve driver, especially for someone keen to race again.
• Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan, bringing a notable pedigree to the Haas garage.

What's next:

Doohan will immediately integrate into the team, focusing on simulator work and preparations for the new 2026 regulations. The pre-season schedule is packed, with two official three-day tests in Bahrain on February 11-13 and 18-20, followed by the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.