A Brutal Rookie Ending
The final sunset of 2025 closed one of the most turbulent rookie chapters in modern Formula 1. For Jack Doohan, the dream that began with a full-time Alpine seat in March ended just six races later. Alpine handed the cockpit to Franco Colapinto amid commercial pressure and internal change.
An East–West Reset for 2026
As the calendar turns to 2026, the 22-year-old Australian is not fading away. Instead, he is launching a calculated “East-meets-West” strategy. The plan targets the biggest technical shift in the F1 paddock: the growing alliance between Haas and Toyota.
The Kondo Audition: Speed Over Metal
In mid-December, Jack Doohan swapped Enstone blue for the colours of Kondo Racing. He joined the Super Formula post-season test at Suzuka. Headlines focused on the “triple crash” at Degner 1 and 2 across three days.
However, the mood inside the garage told a different story. Kondo Racing saw F1-level technical feedback and top-ten rookie pace. Despite the incidents, Doohan consistently pushed the limit. In a series faster through corners than anything outside F1, that approach impressed the team. As a result, Kondo now views Doohan as a leading option for its 2026 lineup. He is expected to race alongside Luke Browning.
The Haas “Manufacturer Bridge”
The most important piece of Doohan’s plan sits outside Japan.
It lies in the fast-growing relationship between Toyota Gazoo Racing and the Haas F1 Team. With Toyota acting as both technical partner and title sponsor, Haas needs a driver who connects both programmes.
The Doohan camp, led by Mick Doohan, spent late 2025 in talks with Haas boss Ayao Komatsu. The result was a clear, two-track strategy for 2026.
A Dual-Role Blueprint for 2026
- Race pace: A full Super Formula season in high-downforce machinery
- F1 proximity: Serving as Haas’s official reserve driver, replacing Ollie Bearman
Together, this keeps Doohan visible in the paddock. At the same time, it proves his value directly to Toyota ahead of 2027 decisions.
The Decisive Break from Enstone
On December 30, 2025, Jack Doohan confirmed the end of his Alpine chapter. He posted uncaptioned photos embracing mechanics and staff who supported him throughout the year.
The message was clear.
Doohan secured a legal release from his Alpine contract and became a free agent. With that final barrier removed, he can fully align with Toyota.
As Colapinto prepares for his first full Alpine season, Doohan has chosen a different road back to Formula 1. This time, it runs through a fast, deliberate detour in Japan.
