A Defining Moment at the End of 2025
The final days of 2025 have delivered a definitive end to one of the most turbulent rookie stories in modern Formula 1. On December 30, 2025, Jack Doohan took to social media and posted a series of uncaptioned, bittersweet images. The photos showed him embracing his Alpine mechanics. The subtext was unmistakable. As a result, the 22-year-old Australian has officially walked away from Enstone. However, Doohan is not retreating. Instead, he is orchestrating a high-stakes career reset. Crucially, the plan centres on the fastest cars in Asia and a strategic partnership between two of the world’s biggest motorsport brands.
The Suzuka Audition: Pace Over Metal
In mid-December, Doohan arrived at the legendary Suzuka Circuit for the annual Super Formula post-season test. He drove for Toyota-powered Kondo Racing. Unfortunately, his debut drew attention for the wrong reasons. Across the three-day test, he suffered three separate crashes at the notorious Degner Curve. Despite the “horror debut” headlines, the situation inside the garage told a different story. Kondo Racing manager Nobuaki Adachi publicly defended Doohan. Specifically, he explained that the incidents occurred in freezing winter conditions while the team experimented with aggressive setups. More importantly, Doohan delivered strong technical feedback and competitive pace. Consequently, he ranked ninth among fourteen rookies. That result placed him firmly as the frontrunner for a 2026 race seat alongside Williams junior Luke Browning.
The Haas-Toyota Lifeline
The most strategic element of Doohan’s 2026 plan, however, sits beyond Japan. Instead, it lies in the growing alliance between Toyota Gazoo Racing and the Haas F1 Team. With Toyota becoming Haas’s title partner for 2026, the two organisations have therefore created a clear manufacturer bridge.
By racing Toyota engines in Japan’s premier single-seater series, Doohan remains within the manufacturer’s inner circle. As a result, this proximity has reportedly opened the door to a Haas reserve driver role in 2026. Under such an arrangement, Jack Doohan would travel between Super Formula events and the Formula 1 paddock. In doing so, he would position himself as the leading candidate should a race seat open in 2027.
A Clean Break from Enstone
Securing a clean break from Alpine proved the final hurdle. By severing ties now, Doohan becomes a free agent. Consequently, he is free to represent Toyota and Haas exclusively. It is, however, a calculated risk. He trades the relative security of an F1 reserve role at a struggling French team for a full-time racing programme. Nevertheless, the reward is significant. Super Formula machinery remains the closest thing to a Formula 1 car on the planet, corner for corner. For Doohan, that trade-off could ultimately define his route back to the grid.
