A Calculated Reset After Alpine
The final week of 2025 has finally brought clarity for Jack Doohan fans. They had waited anxiously since his brutal mid-season sacking. After a brief six-race stint at Alpine that ended in controversy and the arrival of Franco Colapinto, the 22-year-old Australian has now stepped out of the Enstone squad’s shadow.
A New Direction Takes Shape
However, Jack Doohan has not disappeared. Instead, he is orchestrating one of the most calculated career pivots in modern motorsport. The plan links the high-speed curves of Japan with the American grit of the Haas F1 Team.
Suzuka: Grit Behind the Headlines
In early December, international headlines focused on the “horror” side of Doohan’s Super Formula test. He crashed at the Degner Curves on three consecutive days. Inside the Kondo Racing garage, however, the story looked very different. Team manager Nobuaki Adachi moved quickly to protect his driver. He blamed freezing winter track temperatures and the team’s experimental development programme for the incidents. Despite the damaged carbon fibre, engineers praised Doohan’s feedback as “F1-calibre.” Meanwhile, his pace stood out. He finished ninth among rookies, a result that has virtually secured him a 2026 seat. For Doohan, Super Formula represents progress rather than punishment. Instead of a demotion, it offers refinement. The SF23 chassis remains the fastest car outside Formula 1, which makes it an ideal platform to maintain race fitness.
The Father-Son Negotiation
Behind the scenes, five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan has played a central role. He has acted as more than a supportive father. Reports from the Abu Dhabi paddock suggest he has shaped Jack’s so-called “Toyota Masterplan.” By aligning Jack with the Toyota-powered Kondo team, the Doohan camp has tapped into the Haas–Toyota Gazoo Racing alliance. As a result, this manufacturer bridge could soon deliver its next step. Sources expect Jack to be named Official Haas F1 Reserve Driver for 2026. That role would keep him deeply embedded in the F1 ecosystem. It would also see him travelling between Tokyo and the global Grand Prix circuit. Most importantly, it would position him as the first call if a race seat opens in 2027.
The Final Farewell to Enstone
On December 30, 2025, Doohan signalled the end of his Alpine chapter. He posted a series of uncaptioned but emotional photos on social media. The images showed him embracing mechanics who supported him through a difficult year. Those posts confirmed a key development. Doohan had secured a legal release from his Alpine contract, which was originally set to run through 2026. This move to free agency cleared the final hurdle. With Alpine ties severed, he can now represent Toyota and Haas exclusively. For many observers, the shift marks a clean break. It also offers a fresh start for a driver they believe never received a fair crack at the sport’s highest level.
Inside the Paddock: Jack Doohan’s Survival Strategy
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