Jack during day three of pre-season testing #F1Testing © Sam Bagnall

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[...] Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Jack Doohan is not backing down without a fight.

As the motorsport community watches closely, Jack Doohan’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Will he successfully navigate the complexities of racing and reclaim his place among the elite in Formula 1? [...]

[...] “That is the complete goal. I wouldn’t be wanting just to continue being a reserve driver. My goal is to be in Formula 1 and to race in Formula 1. I’ve been given that platform to have a go at with Haas, so I look forward to trying to do that.”

Despite the odds stacked against him, Doohan remains hopeful about his future in motorsport, setting his sights firmly on a return to Formula 1 in 2027. “Certainly,” he affirmed when asked if a spot on next year’s grid was his ultimate ambition. [...]

[...] “Just getting laps at this point in time and being race-fit is the number one priority, and preferably in strong machinery,” he stated emphatically.

As he strives to regain his racing fitness and confidence, Doohan insists that accumulating laps in a competitive environment is paramount. [...]

[...] “The most important thing, yes, to be in race-winning material and machinery is important, but for me at this point, I didn’t race in 2024, I raced six races last year.”

[...] “It’s super important to have the platform and the foundation to be able to perform, number one, in something strong – but also to get miles and to get laps,” he emphasized. [...]

However, there’s a significant hurdle in his path: every round of the ELMS clashes with an F1 grand prix, creating a daunting scheduling conflict. Still, Doohan is determined to seize any opportunity for track time. [...]

[...] But potentially in an ELMS, an LMP2 car, and to do Le Mans. Whatever is going to fit best while also spending as much time as I can here.”

“With the way things planned out, and only being able to join quite late in the year of, it hasn’t obviously revealed too many options for racing plans. [...]

“I was testing the last two days in an LMP2 car on Monday and Tuesday,” Doohan shared during F1 testing in Bahrain. [...]

[...] After recently testing with the reigning champions, Algarve Pro Racing, in Abu Dhabi, Doohan is eager to get back in the driver’s seat.

[...] While this move is a step up, it still leaves him yearning for crucial track time, a void he aims to fill by competing in the six-round ELMS campaign. [...]

Just when it seemed Doohan’s prospects were dwindling, he made a strategic pivot, announcing his switch from Alpine to Haas as a reserve driver for the upcoming F1 season. [...]

[...] Unfortunately, a disastrous pre-season test in Suzuka saw him crash not once, but three times, leading to a collapse in negotiations with Kondo Racing, who expected financial backing from the driver.

[...] His stock has taken a hit, and with no full-time opportunities from F1 teams, Doohan turned his gaze toward Japan’s Super Formula series. [...]

The Australian racer kicked off the 2025 F1 season with high hopes but faced a crushing reality when he was demoted back to the role of reserve driver after a disappointing performance across six grand prix races, leaving him without a single point to his name. [...]