F1 Team Announce Driver Change as Axed Star Returns to the Sport

Jack Doohan will make a surprise return to F1 this season with the Australian being confirmed as Hass reserve driver for the 2026 season.

Doohan started the 2025 F1 season alongside Pierre Gasly at Alpine after being promoted from reserve driver, however, his full time F1 career lasted just seven grand prix.

The Aussie was replaced by Franco Colapinto after the Miami GP, which saw him crash out on the opening lap.

Colapinto's promotion demoted Doohan back to the reserve driver role for the remainder of 2025, before his exit from the team was confirmed in January.

Doohan was set to make the move to Super Formula for the 2026 season, however, three crashes during his debut test at Suzuka in December made the move fall through.

Jack Doohan in the F1 paddock in 2025 (credit: getty)

Despite his woes, the 23-year-old has had a surprise turn of fortune, with Haas announcing Doohan as their official reserve driver for the upcoming F1 season.

The Queenslander will back up Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon as the American team take on the new F1 regulations, which have been dubbed the most drastic in the sport's history.

Speaking on the move the 23-year-old Australian said: “I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team, it’s the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career."

"I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together."

Doohan added: "I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season.’'

Haas' team principal Ayao Komatsu added: “I’m personally very excited to have Jack join us on the team given the strength of his racing resume and of course his experience in being a reserve driver in Formula 1.

"The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it’s challenging for any driver – especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jack and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions.”