Jack Doohan’s Super Formula Dreams Crumble in Shocking Turn of Events!
In a jaw-dropping twist of fate, former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan finds himself sidelined from the highly competitive Super Formula grid this season, as negotiations with Kondo Racing have collapsed spectacularly. The racing team made a bombshell announcement on Friday, revealing that Ukyo Sasahara will step into the second seat for the 2026 season, joining previously confirmed driver Luke Browning.
This unexpected turn of events leaves Doohan, who was expected to secure his place alongside Browning, grappling with an uncertain future in the racing world. His anticipated partnership with Kondo seemed all but sealed after the Australian showcased his skills during a post-season rookie test at Suzuka last December. However, the optimism surrounding his potential return to the track has been dashed, as Kondo Racing’s decision has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community.
The 23-year-old Doohan’s exit from the Alpine F1 team was solidified back in mid-January, and he appeared poised to race for Kondo this year, a move that would have also likely tied him to a broader deal with Toyota, potentially including responsibilities as a Haas F1 reserve. Yet, behind the scenes, negotiations unravelled due to Doohan’s inability to present the necessary budget to secure his coveted spot at Kondo.
Adding to the drama, Doohan’s performance during the rookie test raised eyebrows; he faced a series of mishaps, crashing three times at the notorious Degner 2, which severely limited his track time and left him trailing behind Williams F1 reserve driver Browning in the final standings.
Now, as Doohan watches from the sidelines, he faces a daunting future with limited high-level opportunities available so late in the winter season. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Sasahara, a two-time race winner, seizes an unexpected opportunity to return to Super Formula after a hiatus since leaving TOM’S at the end of the 2024 season. His testing with Kondo at Suzuka earlier this year put him back in the running, and the team’s decision to choose him over other candidates has reignited his racing career.
Sasahara will take the wheel of the #4 Kondo car, which was vacated by Zak O’Sullivan, who has transitioned to Team Impul for this season. Browning will occupy the #3 seat, completing Kondo’s lineup. With this announcement, Kondo Racing has finalized its roster, effectively completing the competitive 23-car field for the upcoming 2026 Super Formula season.
In the unpredictable world of motorsport, where fortunes can shift in an instant, Jack Doohan’s story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly dreams can slip away. What lies ahead for this talented driver remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the racing world will be watching closely.
