Haas Racing’s Next Big Move: Jack Doohan’s Potential Return to F1
In a thrilling twist of fate, the Haas F1 team is reportedly eyeing a comeback for the once-promising but recently axed Alpine driver, Jack Doohan. After a rocky start to his Formula 1 career, where he was unceremoniously dropped from Alpine’s lineup just six races into the 2025 season, the 22-year-old Australian has been left in limbo, with only fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri remaining on the grid.
But hold on—this isn’t the end of Doohan’s racing saga! Following the conclusion of the tumultuous 2025 season, the young driver showcased his tenacity by participating in a post-season Super Formula test at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. Unfortunately, his debut was marred by misfortune, as he struggled to conquer the notoriously challenging Degner curves. In a series of unfortunate events, Doohan crashed on all three days of testing, spinning out and colliding with barriers like a scene from a racing drama.
Despite these setbacks, optimism surrounds Doohan’s future. Speculation is rampant that he will secure a full-time seat with Kondo Racing in the Super Formula series for 2026, a team backed by the automotive giant Toyota. This partnership has sparked rumors of a possible return to the F1 paddock, with Haas potentially offering Doohan a reserve driver position. Could this be the lifeline he needs to reignite his Formula 1 dreams?
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has voiced strong sentiments about Toyota’s involvement in their driver lineup, urging them to keep their hands off. However, a reserve role for Doohan could be a win-win situation, allowing him to remain connected to F1 while he refines his skills in Super Formula. At just 22 years of age, Doohan is not ready to abandon his aspirations of becoming a full-time F1 driver, and his performance in the upcoming Super Formula season will be crucial. Following in the footsteps of Liam Lawson, who made waves in 2023, Doohan must mount a serious challenge for the championship to bolster his chances for a 2027 F1 comeback.
What went wrong during Jack Doohan’s Super Formula testing? The young driver faced a steep learning curve at Suzuka, crashing out repeatedly at the infamous Degner 1 corner. Day one saw him spin and hit the barriers with the rear of his car, while on day two, he careened off track and collided with the barriers head-on. By day three, the troubles continued as he miscalculated the kerb, resulting in yet another crash. Thankfully, Doohan emerged unscathed, but the string of incidents was undoubtedly a blow to his confidence as he sought to impress potential Super Formula teams.
In the high-octane world of motorsport, every setback is a setup for a comeback. Jack Doohan’s journey is far from over, and the whispers of a Haas-F1 return are sure to add fuel to the fire. Will he rise to the occasion and reclaim his place among the elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the racing world will be watching closely.
