Jack Doohan Confirms 2026 Racing Return in European Le Mans Series

Haas F1 reserve driver Jack Doohan will return to active competition in 2026, securing a seat in the European Le Mans Series with Nielsen Racing after a planned move to Japan's Super Formula fell through last winter. The Australian driver, who lost his Alpine Formula 2 seat mid-2025, maintains his crucial foothold in F1 with his Haas role while rebuilding his racing resume in the endurance championship.

Why it matters:

For a young driver on the F1 periphery, staying race-sharp is critical. Doohan's ELMS campaign provides competitive track time and visibility while he performs his reserve duties for a Haas team that has started the 2026 season strongly. This dual program keeps him in the conversation for a potential full-time F1 return, a path previously trodden by drivers like Nyck de Vries and Pietro Fittipaldi who used similar roles as springboards.

The details:

• Doohan's primary 2026 plan was to race in Super Formula with support from Haas technical partner Toyota, but he shelved the move after a concerning test with the Kondo Racing team that involved three accidents at Suzuka.
• He will now drive an LMP2-spec Oreca 07 for Nielsen Racing, sharing the car with experienced teammates Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson.
• The European Le Mans Series season begins on April 12 in Barcelona, offering a calendar that should dovetail effectively with his F1 reserve responsibilities.
• Doohan's F1 standing was secured in February when Haas confirmed him as their reserve driver for 2026, a lifeline after he and Alpine parted ways at the end of the 2025 season.

What's next:

The 2026 season becomes a pivotal evaluation year for Doohan. His performance in the ELMS and his integration within the Haas team will be closely watched.

• With Haas drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon both believed to be out of contract at the end of 2026, a strong showing could position Doohan as a leading candidate for a race seat in 2027.
• Success in the ELMS, a series known for its professional and competitive environment, would provide compelling evidence that he is ready for another shot at the pinnacle of motorsport.