Jack Doohan's F1 career has been handed a lifeline, with the Aussie signed by the Haas team as reserve driver.
Doohan's career at the motorsport pinnacle appeared all but over after he was dumped by Alpine just six races into his rookie season, and just seven races into his F1 career.
But on the eve of the 2026 season, Doohan has been picked up by the American team as backup driver behind Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon.
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In a team statement, Doohan said he was "thrilled" to be joining Haas, and described the team as "the ideal place to continue (his) Formula 1 career".
"I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together," he said.
"I'm eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season."
Having not scored a point and with a best finish of 13th from six races, Doohan was replaced at Alpine by Argentine Franco Colapinto following the Miami Grand Prix.
Colapinto also would not score, and had a best finish of 11th at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old son of former 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan had been linked to a drive in the Japanese Super Formula – a regular breeding ground for F1 talent – before signing with Haas. He will join Ryō Hirakawa in reserve duties.
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Doohan had a rocky start to his F1 career.
After a quiet debut at the 2024 season-ended in Abu Dhabi, Doohan was already under pressure to keep his seat when he crashed out in tricky conditions on the opening lap of his maiden home grand prix in Melbourne last year.
He was then involved in two clumsy collisions at the next race in China, before suffering a monumental crash at Suzuka in Japan. He was given his marching orders after a first-lap collision with Liam Lawson – albeit one he was not responsible for – at Miami.
He stayed with the team as reserve driver for the rest of the 2025 season, before both parties came to a "mutual agreement" to part ways last month.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said Doohan would be an asset to the team.
"I'm personally very excited to have Jack join us on the team given the strength of his racing resume and of course his experience in being a reserve driver," he said.
"The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it's challenging for any driver – especially one who's obviously still very keen to race again at this level.
"I've enjoyed getting to know Jack and we're looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions."
Doohan's first race in the role will be the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next month.
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