Haas sign Jack Doohan as reserve driver

Published: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:31 am

Haas F1 Team Signs Jack Doohan as Reserve Driver

In a move that could revitalize his Formula 1 career, Jack Doohan has been appointed as a reserve driver for the Haas F1 Team. The Australian driver, who previously lost his seat with Alpine, will share the reserve role with Ryo Hirakawa.

Doohan's departure from Alpine followed a brief stint with the team, where he replaced Esteban Ocon in the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP. Despite continuing with Alpine into early 2025, his position was precarious, particularly after the team confirmed negotiations with Franco Colapinto, who ultimately replaced Doohan.

Following his removal from the race seat, Doohan explored various options for the 2026 season, including a potential move to SuperFormula. However, this did not materialize. The Haas opportunity provides a crucial step for the 23-year-old to remain involved in Formula 1.

Ayao Komatsu, Haas team principal, expressed enthusiasm about Doohan's arrival, citing his racing experience and prior experience as a reserve driver. Komatsu highlighted the challenges of maintaining readiness and understanding a team's operations, especially for a driver eager to compete.

The 2026 driver market is anticipated to be highly competitive, with many drivers on expiring contracts or having exit clauses. This situation offers Doohan a potential pathway back to a full-time racing seat in 2027. However, he will face competition from other drivers, including those who lost their seats last season and emerging talents from Formula 2.

BNN's Perspective:

This move by Haas is a smart one. While Doohan's time with Alpine was short-lived, he has demonstrated potential. Giving him a reserve role keeps him in the F1 ecosystem and provides Haas with a valuable asset. It also gives Doohan a chance to prove his worth and potentially secure a full-time seat in the future.

Keywords: Jack Doohan, Haas, Formula 1, Reserve Driver, Alpine, Ayao Komatsu, Driver Market, Ryo Hirakawa, Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon, 2026 Season, Racing, Team

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