Jack Doohan's Super Formula Move Collapses After Failed Kondo Racing Deal

Jack Doohan's bid for a 2026 Super Formula seat has collapsed at the final hour, leaving the former Alpine F1 driver without a confirmed racing program for the upcoming season. Negotiations with Kondo Racing broke down, with the team opting to sign Japanese driver Ukyo Sasahara instead, following a troubled three-day test for Doohan at Suzuka.

Why it matters:

For a young driver officially released by an F1 team, securing a competitive seat in a top-tier series like Super Formula is critical for maintaining relevance and development. This setback throws Doohan's immediate career trajectory into uncertainty at a pivotal moment, forcing him to rely on reserve driver opportunities to stay in the F1 paddock's view.

The details:

• Doohan participated in a crucial three-day test with Kondo Racing at Suzuka, aiming to claim the team's second seat alongside Luke Browning.
• The test was marred by performance issues, including three separate crashes across two days, all occurring at the challenging Degner corners.
• These incidents significantly limited his track time and left him off the pace compared to other drivers, ultimately influencing Kondo's decision.
• With the deal falling through, two-time race winner Ukyo Sasahara was confirmed for the seat, marking his return to the series after leaving TOM'S Racing in 2024.

What's next:

Doohan's immediate path forward is unclear following his mutual split from Alpine in January, after just six Grand Prix weekends with the team. The most viable short-term option appears to be a reserve driver role with the Haas F1 Team, potentially as part of a wider collaboration involving Toyota. This role would keep him embedded in the F1 environment but offers no guarantee of a return to a permanent race seat, making the coming months crucial for rebuilding his prospects.