Jack Doohan is back in a Formula 1 car. The Australian completed a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session with Haas at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain, sharing the track with Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa and 2024 Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi. It marked Doohan’s first F1 running since his Alpine stint ended after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix.
Since joining Haas as a test and reserve driver for 2026, Doohan has been in a prime position. The team is evaluating its driver options for 2027, and the Jerez outing gave him a golden chance to impress. With speculation swirling around who will partner Oliver Bearman next season, Doohan used the opportunity to remind the paddock of his raw speed.
Reacting on social media, Doohan described it as an “Incredible feeling to be back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car,” thanking the Haas team for the opportunity. It was more than just a formality. For a driver once seen as a future prospect, returning to an F1 cockpit is an affirmation that his journey is far from over.
However, Haas will not rush its decision. Although neither driver has been formally announced for 2027, Bearman is expected to stay for a third season, while Esteban Ocon’s future remains uncertain. Ocon has scored only three of Haas’ 21 points this season, prompting the team to seriously evaluate alternatives. Before Jerez, Haas held a test at Portimao involving Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli, and Hirakawa. Camara reportedly made a strong impression, and now Doohan has had his turn in the spotlight.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu has made it clear that performance remains the primary factor in deciding the line-up. “I’ve always said we take drivers by performance, so performance comes absolutely first,” he said. Komatsu added that manufacturer affiliations or sponsorship packages would only be considered if the performance gap between candidates is minimal. “If it’s within tenths for instance – or very, very close – then the affiliation package does come into play for sure,” he explained. This is a clear signal that Doohan must truly stand out on pace, as he lacks the manufacturer academy connection of several other candidates.
Haas has links to both Ferrari and Toyota, and some of the drivers it has evaluated come with backing from those manufacturers or from rival teams. However, Komatsu is unfazed by the prospect of fielding two Ferrari-affiliated drivers if Bearman stays alongside another driver connected to the Italian manufacturer. “Honestly, that doesn’t really matter to me at all,” he said. “We really want two fast drivers because that’s the best way to grow this team.”
With that philosophy, Doohan’s Jerez audition is more than just a formality. He must demonstrate that his speed is equal to or better than other candidates. If successful, he could secure the seat he has long coveted. If not, Haas has a long list of names ready to fill the spot. One thing is certain: a big decision is looming, and Doohan has played his best card.
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