His exit from Formula 1 has left the Australian driver without a seat or an alternative role for 2026. With Alpine no longer in his sights and an increasingly closed market, Doohan is evaluating new paths to continue his career in international motorsport.
Jack Doohan is going through a difficult moment following his departure from Formula 1, and the developments that emerged in recent hours have deepened what was already a delicate situation for the Australian driver.
After being left out of the top category, the young driver’s sporting and contractual outlook has been shaped by decisions that, for now, move him away from an immediate return to the paddock.
The news Doohan received is directly linked to his professional future. After having been part of Alpine’s program and holding an active role within the structure, the Australian was left without a place on the grid and was also not considered for alternative roles that would allow him to stay close to Formula 1 during the 2026 season.
His exit came in a particular context, marked by internal changes within teams and an increasingly tight driver market. With several seats secured long term and others filled by in-house development projects, Doohan’s options gradually closed until he was left out of the main picture.
The impact of this situation is not only sporting, but also strategic. For a young driver, being sidelined from Formula 1 means losing visibility, continuity, and direct contact with the highest level of competition. In Doohan’s case, the challenge is even greater because the category is going through a period of stability that limits rotation opportunities.
At the same time, it was confirmed that Alpine moved forward with other alternatives and redefined its driver structure for the new regulatory cycle. That decision ultimately shut the door on any short-term possibility of Doohan resuming a role within the team, either as a race driver or as a reserve.
Faced with this scenario, the Australian will have to evaluate new paths to sustain his racing career. Alternative categories emerge as a logical option to remain active and gain experience, although none offer the same level of exposure as Formula 1. Doohan already has experience in feeder series and endurance racing, which opens the door to potential moves in other championships.
However, every step away from Formula 1 also represents an additional challenge when it comes to trying to return. The current moment forces short- and medium-term decisions. The priority will be finding a project that allows him to compete regularly and keep his name relevant within international motorsport.
For now, the reality is clear. Jack Doohan is going through a period of uncertainty after his exit from Formula 1, and the recently revealed news confirms that his return will not be immediate. The path continues, but far from the stage that had been his main professional objective.