Doohan to ditch Alpine for Haas?

Doohan has been part of Alpine’s development programme since 2022 and impressed during his early F2 campaigns, earning multiple Friday practice outings. However, the French team's ever-shifting priorities have left his path to Formula 1 increasingly unclear.

The 22-year-old's management ties to Briatore once seemed a strategic advantage, especially during the Italian’s renewed involvement with the French manufacturer earlier this year, but that alliance may no longer guarantee Jack a seat.

Reports from the Singapore paddock suggest Alpine’s 2026 decision is narrowing to three names: retaining Franco Colapinto, recalling Doohan, or promoting Estonian rookie Paul Aron.

Briatore confirmed that the team’s second seat alongside Pierre Gasly will be filled from within its own ranks. Colapinto’s dubious form is making his future in the seat less likely with every outing. And it appears Aron will be promoted, with Doohan again sidelined.

With Alpine’s door closing, Doohan and his father, MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, were spotted several times speaking with Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. The American outfit is currently evaluating reserve driver options amid uncertainty around Ollie Bearman’s availability.

Ferrari-backed Bearman sits on 10 of the 12 penalty points that trigger a one-race suspension, while current third driver Ryō Hirakawa is focused on Toyota’s World Endurance Championship campaign.

A move to Haas would allow Doohan to stay close to the Formula 1 grid, potentially with Toyota support through a Super Formula programme in Japan next year. The manufacturer, which partners with Haas, could facilitate a dual role that keeps Doohan race-sharp while aligning him with a team looking to rebuild after a difficult 2025 season.

Doohan’s Alpine prospects now appear slim, despite early hopes of a long-term future with the French squad. His lack of seat time since last year’s end-of-season test contrasts with Colapinto’s upward trajectory.

Unless Briatore shifts Alpine’s stance, which insiders say is highly unlikely, Doohan’s move towards Haas and Toyota could represent both a fresh start and a pragmatic route to keep his Formula 1 dream alive.