A Career Reset Takes Shape
As the curtain falls on 2025, Jack Doohan’s career has entered a new phase. No longer the sidelined Alpine rookie, the 22-year-old Australian now moves into 2026 as a strategic free agent. On December 30, Jack Doohan posted an uncaptioned farewell to his Alpine mechanics. The message was clear. His chapter in Enstone had ended. At the same time, a new opportunity began.
The Kondo Racing Project
Next, Doohan’s focus shifts to Japan. He is the leading candidate for a seat with Toyota-powered Kondo Racing in Super Formula. In mid-December, he completed a three-day test at Suzuka. The headlines, however, told only part of the story. Doohan crashed three times at the Degner 1 and 2 complex. Yet those incidents came in freezing conditions and during aggressive setup work. More importantly, his pace remained competitive. He also delivered clear, F1-level technical feedback. As a result, team manager Nobuaki Adachi confirmed that Doohan fits Kondo’s rebuilding plan. For Jack Doohan, Super Formula is not a step back. Instead, it offers the Dallara SF23 chassis, which generates cornering speeds closer to Formula 1 than Formula 2. Therefore, his race instincts stay sharp.
The Haas-Toyota Connection
It involves the growing alliance between Haas and Toyota.
With Toyota Gazoo Racing expanding its technical role at Haas for 2026, Doohan has emerged as the natural link between both programs. Consequently, he is expected to take on the Haas reserve driver role.
This dual-track approach is deliberate.
- Primary track: Full-time Super Formula campaign in Japan
- Secondary track: Haas F1 reserve duties, including TPC and FP1 opportunities
- Strategic aim: Maintain paddock relevance ahead of the 2027 driver market reset
In short, Doohan is no longer waiting for opportunity. Instead, he is positioning himself to meet it.
