Jack Doohan Sets Sights on European Le Mans Series Amidst F1 Challenges: A Race Against Time
In a dramatic turn of events, former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan is making waves in the motorsport world as he reveals his ambitions for 2026, casting his eyes on the prestigious European Le Mans Series (ELMS). At just 23 years of age, Doohan finds himself in a fierce battle to reclaim his position in full-time racing after a tumultuous stint with Alpine, where he struggled to make his mark on the F1 circuit.
The Australian racer kicked off the 2025 F1 season with high hopes but faced a crushing reality when he was demoted back to the role of reserve driver after a disappointing performance across six grand prix races, leaving him without a single point to his name. His stock has taken a hit, and with no full-time opportunities from F1 teams, Doohan turned his gaze toward Japan’s Super Formula series. Unfortunately, a disastrous pre-season test in Suzuka saw him crash not once, but three times, leading to a collapse in negotiations with Kondo Racing, who expected financial backing from the driver.
Just when it seemed Doohan’s prospects were dwindling, he made a strategic pivot, announcing his switch from Alpine to Haas as a reserve driver for the upcoming F1 season. While this move is a step up, it still leaves him yearning for crucial track time, a void he aims to fill by competing in the six-round ELMS campaign. After recently testing with the reigning champions, Algarve Pro Racing, in Abu Dhabi, Doohan is eager to get back in the driver’s seat.
“I was testing the last two days in an LMP2 car on Monday and Tuesday,” Doohan shared during F1 testing in Bahrain. “With the way things planned out, and only being able to join quite late in the year of January, it hasn’t obviously revealed too many options for racing plans. But potentially in an ELMS, an LMP2 car, and to do Le Mans. Whatever is going to fit best while also spending as much time as I can here.”
However, there’s a significant hurdle in his path: every round of the ELMS clashes with an F1 grand prix, creating a daunting scheduling conflict. Still, Doohan is determined to seize any opportunity for track time. “It’s super important to have the platform and the foundation to be able to perform, number one, in something strong – but also to get miles and to get laps,” he emphasized. “The most important thing, yes, to be in race-winning material and machinery is important, but for me at this point, I didn’t race in 2024, I raced six races last year.”
As he strives to regain his racing fitness and confidence, Doohan insists that accumulating laps in a competitive environment is paramount. “Just getting laps at this point in time and being race-fit is the number one priority, and preferably in strong machinery,” he stated emphatically.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Doohan remains hopeful about his future in motorsport, setting his sights firmly on a return to Formula 1 in 2027. “Certainly,” he affirmed when asked if a spot on next year’s grid was his ultimate ambition. “That is the complete goal. I wouldn’t be wanting just to continue being a reserve driver. My goal is to be in Formula 1 and to race in Formula 1. I’ve been given that platform to have a go at with Haas, so I look forward to trying to do that.”
As the motorsport community watches closely, Jack Doohan’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Will he successfully navigate the complexities of racing and reclaim his place among the elite in Formula 1? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Jack Doohan is not backing down without a fight.
