Haas has added some fresh firepower to its 2026 Formula 1 lineup, signing 22-year-old Jack Doohan as a reserve driver for the upcoming season. The Australian joins the American-owned team after a turbulent rookie campaign with Alpine in 2025, stepping into a backup role behind full-time drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon. Ryo Hirakawa, the experienced Japanese driver, will also remain in the reserve mix for Haas.
For Doohan, this move represents both a reset and a second chance. Once touted as a rising star, his F1 debut didn’t go as planned.
He started the 2025 season in Alpine’s race seat but was replaced by Franco Colapinto after just six rounds-without scoring a single point. That said, it’s worth noting the Alpine car was far from competitive last year.
Colapinto, who took over for the remaining 18 races, also failed to register a point, highlighting the broader struggles of the team rather than pinning it all on Doohan.
Now, Doohan gets a new opportunity to stay in the F1 ecosystem and prove his worth in a different environment. And he’s embracing it.
“I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team. It’s the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career,” said Doohan, the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan.
“I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together. I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season.”
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu echoed the enthusiasm, pointing to Doohan’s experience and professionalism as key assets.
“I’m personally very excited to have Jack join us on the team given the strength of his racing resume and of course his experience in being a reserve driver in Formula 1,” Komatsu said. “The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works-it’s challenging for any driver, especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jack and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions.”
The role of a reserve driver in modern F1 is no small task. It demands a blend of patience, adaptability, and relentless preparation.
With limited track time and no guarantee of racing, reserve drivers have to stay ready-mentally and physically-to step in at a moment’s notice. For Doohan, this is a chance to show he can be more than a footnote in the Alpine saga.
It’s an opportunity to embed himself in a new team, learn from two experienced teammates, and keep his long-term F1 ambitions alive.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes shift to Bahrain, where the next phase of pre-season testing will unfold. With the Barcelona shakedown already in the books, teams are gearing up for two official test sessions in Bahrain, scheduled for February 11-13 and February 18-20. These sessions will offer fans and analysts their first real look at how teams are adapting to the new regulations.
And then, it’s go time.
The season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8. Practice begins Friday, qualifying follows on Saturday, and the first race of the year goes lights out on Sunday, March 8.
For Jack Doohan, the journey back to the F1 grid starts now-from the garage, the simulator, and the paddock. It’s not the spotlight, but it’s still the show.