Jack Doohan's Double Life: Haas F1 Reserve and Le Mans Challenger
Jack Doohan is stepping into the European Le Mans Series spotlight alongside his Haas reserve duties, leaving behind a Super Formula stint that went out with a bang—literally. With Haas sitting pretty in the top four, could this be Doohan's ticket back to an F1 seat in 2027?
**Haas' own Jack Doohan has traded the Japanese skyscrapers of Super Formula for the chic allure of Europe’s racing circuits, gearing up for the European Le Mans Series in 2026.** Yes, the Aussie who flirted with disaster—thanks to a trio of crashes at Suzuka—has opted for the slightly less explosive road racing scene, joining Nielsen Racing.
Doohan's Detour: From Super Formula to Le Mans
Once upon a time, Doohan was strapping in alongside Pierre Gasly at Alpine. A fairy tale that lasted until the Miami Grand Prix of 2025, when the team decided Franco Colapinto’s name looked better on the garage door. Back to square one as Alpine’s reserve, Doohan made a clean break at the end of 2025, only to be scooped up by Haas in a classic 'just when you thought it was over' twist.
The Haas Le Mans Connection
is almost as thrilling as Doohan's career pivot. Currently snuggled into fourth place, Haas is outpacing both Red Bull and Alpine—a feat worthy of a champagne toast.
Initially, Doohan's 2026 agenda involved a Super Formula seat, supported by Haas’ technical comrade, Toyota. But after seeing his future flash before his eyes during those infamous Suzuka test smashes, Doohan hit the brakes on that plan.
Instead, he’ll share the cockpit of a LMP2-spec Oreca 07, alongside Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson, as they launch their campaign in Barcelona on April 12. "I’m really excited to be back racing," said Doohan, his enthusiasm palpable. "It’s a new challenge, but with a strong team, we’ll hit the ground running."
A 2027 F1 Comeback?
With Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman both rumored to be free agents at the end of 2026, Doohan's reserve duties keep him in prime position for an F1 comeback. His double life as a reserve driver and Le Mans participant might just be the right combo to land him back on the F1 grid in 2027.