Jack Doohan's F1 Journey: From Highs to Lows and a Fresh Start
The world of Formula 1 can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and Jack Doohan knows this all too well. In an exclusive interview, Doohan opens up about his recent experiences, from the elation of signing with Alpine to the disappointment of losing his race seat, and now, his new beginning with Haas.
A Dream Realized, Then Shattered
Just a year ago, Doohan was on cloud nine. He was preparing to make his F1 dream a reality, joining Alpine as a full-time racer for the 2025 season. But this dream quickly turned into a nightmare. Persistent speculation about his future began in the winter, and it all came to a head at the Miami Grand Prix, his seventh and final outing for the team. A journey spanning 22 years, from Australia to Europe, was abruptly cut short after just 150 days as an F1 racer.
The Fall and Rise of a Young Driver
Doohan's 2024 replacement, Franco Colapinto, took his place, and any hopes of a return were soon dashed. He eventually parted ways with Alpine in January 2026. But a month later, a ray of hope emerged as Doohan joined Haas in a reserve role, keeping him in the F1 paddock and offering a chance for redemption.
A Fresh Start with Haas
"Things are good!" Doohan exclaims, reflecting on his new team. He's grateful for the warm welcome he received and the opportunity to meet new people and work with a new car. While he would have preferred an earlier resolution, he's happy to have joined just in time for the new season and the Bahrain pre-season test.
Reflecting on Alpine: A Tough Period
Doohan's time at Alpine was challenging, to say the least. Season 8 of Drive to Survive shed light on the situation, which included death threats and the pressure to perform under the watchful eye of Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. Doohan describes it as one of the toughest periods of his young life, a far cry from the dream he had envisioned.
Learning from Adversity
Despite the hardships, Doohan has taken valuable lessons from his experience. He acknowledges that the situation could hardly have been worse and is grateful to have learned how to cope and make the most of such circumstances in the future.
Supporting the Team at Haas
At Haas, Doohan is focused on supporting his teammates, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman. He wishes them success, knowing their progress could open doors for him. Doohan aims to help the team and showcase his skills when opportunities arise, emphasizing the importance of personal connections within the team.
The Road to Racing Again
Doohan is eager to get back behind the wheel, with Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) on his radar. He's also exploring racing programs to complement his reserve duties, having been limited to seven Grand Prix appearances in the last two years. He's considering ELMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans to stay race-fit, emphasizing the importance of staying behind the wheel.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future
As 2026 begins, Doohan is in a much better place than he was at the end of 2025. He's excited to get back to what he loves—racing cars in F1. He hopes for a fresh start, feeling safe and welcome, leaving the past behind and embracing a new chapter.
And this is the part most people miss—how does one recover from such a challenging experience? Doohan's resilience and determination are remarkable. But here's where it gets controversial—was Alpine's treatment of Doohan fair? Share your thoughts in the comments below. The F1 world is a complex arena, and opinions vary. Let's discuss!
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