Jack Doohan Makes Bold Leap from F1 to Endurance Racing with Nielsen Team
In a stunning career pivot, Australian racing star Jack Doohan is set to leave the disappointments of Formula 1 behind as he embarks on an exhilarating new chapter in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with the renowned Nielsen Racing team. The 23-year-old, whose father Michael Doohan is a five-time MotoGP World Champion, is ready to tackle the challenges of the LMP2 class after a short-lived stint in F1 that left fans wanting more.
Doohan’s F1 journey began with high hopes but quickly spiraled into frustration. After his debut at the final race of the 2024 season and just six more races in the subsequent year, he was unceremoniously replaced by Franco Colapinto. Following this, Doohan was named third driver for Haas, but it became clear that he needed a new direction to prove his racing prowess.
Now, with a fresh deal inked with Nielsen Racing, Doohan is revving up to compete in the highly competitive 2026 European Le Mans Series. Excitement is palpable as he prepares to share the wheel of the ORECA 07 Gibson #24 with talented teammates Roy Nissany and Edward Pearson. This dynamic trio, all hailing from a single-seater background, promises a thrilling mix of experience and determination.
“I’m incredibly excited to get back on the track; it’s been almost 12 months since my last race,” Doohan expressed with palpable enthusiasm. “It’s fantastic to do it with Nielsen Racing and move to sports cars. There’s a lot to learn, and gaining experience behind the wheel is crucial, but I’m confident we’ll adapt quickly with the excellent team supporting us. I can’t wait to start.”
This is not just a comeback; it’s Doohan’s golden opportunity to redefine his racing career after a disappointing foray into Super Formula, where he faced setbacks due to unsuccessful tests that thwarted his ambitions to race in Japan. Now, he sees his partnership with Nissany and Pearson as key to achieving significant results in the ELMS.
“We have a great mix of experience and determination,” Doohan stated. “I’m eager to build a strong rapport with my teammates and aim for impressive outcomes. The Oreca 07 is a fantastic machine that presents a completely different challenge, and I can’t wait to make my mark in the European Le Mans Series.”
The countdown is on for his debut race, scheduled for April 12 at the iconic Circuit de Barcelona, where the 4 Hours of Barcelona will serve as the perfect stage for Doohan to showcase his skills in a new arena. Fans and critics alike are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how this young talent will navigate the twists and turns of endurance racing after his rollercoaster ride in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
With the engines roaring and the stakes higher than ever, Jack Doohan is ready to rewrite his story and race into the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.