The Resurrection Plan: Why Jack Doohan’s Japan Move is a Masterstroke
December 31, 2025
A Brutal Rookie Awakening
One of the most turbulent rookie chapters in modern Formula 1 history has reached its next phase. For Jack Doohan, the dream that began with a full-time Alpine seat in March ended just six races later. Amid mounting commercial pressure and internal restructuring, the team handed the cockpit to Franco Colapinto.
An East–West Reset for 2026
As the calendar turns to 2026, however, the 22-year-old Australian is not fading into the background. Instead, he is launching a calculated “East-meets-West” strategy. Crucially, 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 vibrant colours of Kondo Racing. He took part in the Super Formula post-season test at Suzuka. Unsurprisingly, headlines focused on “the triple crash,” with three incidents at the Degner 1 and 2 sequence across three days. Inside the garage, however, the mood differed sharply. Kondo Racing, led by Masahiko Kondo, saw a driver delivering F1-level technical feedback. Meanwhile, Doohan maintained top-ten rookie pace despite the setbacks. In a series where cars generate more cornering speed than any machinery outside F1, his willingness to explore the limit impressed the team. As a result, Kondo Racing now views Doohan as the right man to lead its 2026 campaign, alongside Williams junior Luke Browning.
The Haas “Manufacturer Bridge”
The most critical piece of Doohan’s puzzle sits outside Japan. Instead, it lies in the fast-developing relationship between Toyota Gazoo Racing and the Haas F1 Team. With Toyota acting as both technical partner and title sponsor, Haas is actively searching for a driver who can bridge both programmes.
Accordingly, the Doohan camp—led by five-time world champion Mick Doohan—spent the closing months of 2025 in detailed discussions with Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu.
A Dual-Role Blueprint for 2026
- Race pace: A full Super Formula season to keep Doohan race-fit in high-downforce machinery.
- F1 proximity: Serving as Official Haas F1 Reserve Driver, replacing Ollie Bearman.
Together, this structure keeps Doohan visible within the F1 paddock while allowing him to prove his value directly to Toyota—an influence that could prove decisive when Haas evaluates its 2027 lineup.
Together, this structure keeps Doohan visible within the F1 paddock. At the same time, it allows him to prove his value directly to Toyota—an influence that could prove decisive when Haas evaluates its 2027 lineup.
The Decisive Break from Enstone
On December 30, 2025, Doohan confirmed the end of his Alpine chapter. He posted a series of uncaptioned but emotional images on social media, showing him embracing mechanics and support staff who stood by him during a difficult year. Those posts carried clear meaning. Doohan had secured a legal release from his Alpine Academy contract. By becoming a free agent, he removed the final barrier to full manufacturer alignment with Toyota. As Franco Colapinto prepares for his first full Alpine season, Doohan has chosen a different path. He is betting that his road back to Formula 1 does not run through France, but instead through a calculated, high-speed detour in Japan.