Jack Doohan has returned to a Formula 1 cockpit for the first time since his Alpine exit, taking part in a crucial Haas evaluation test as the American team narrows its options for the 2027 season. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has made it clear that pure performance will dictate the final decision, with no compromises for money or political affiliations.
The Australian’s appearance at Jerez marks a significant step in his bid to resurrect his Formula 1 career.
DOOHAN RETURNS TO AN F1 CAR AFTER ALPINE EXIT
Doohan’s last competitive outing in Formula 1 came with Alpine before he was replaced after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Since then he has served as Haas reserve driver for 2026. This week’s Test of Previous Cars (TPC) outing at Jerez gave him valuable mileage alongside other candidates, including Toyota-linked Ryo Hirakawa and 2024 Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi.
An earlier test at Portimão had already seen Haas evaluate Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli and Hirakawa. The two sessions form the core of the team’s data-gathering process for next year’s lineup.
KOMATSU’S CLEAR PERFORMANCE-FIRST PHILOSOPHY
Komatsu has been characteristically blunt about the selection criteria. Speed remains the non-negotiable priority.
“I’ve always said we take drivers by performance, so performance comes absolutely first,” he explained. “If two drivers have got equal performance, affiliations or the packages they’ve got matter. But we never take somebody who is three tenths slower, but who has got affiliations with Toyota or Ferrari, or got five million more [in sponsorship]. We’re not going to do that.”
Only when the performance gap is extremely small — within tenths — will commercial or manufacturer relationships influence the final call.
OCON’S FUTURE HANGS IN THE BALANCE
Esteban Ocon remains the incumbent alongside the expected retention of Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman. However, Ocon’s contribution of just three points to Haas’ total of 21 has left his position vulnerable. The team is using the current evaluation process to determine whether a change would deliver a meaningful step forward.
Komatsu confirmed that five drivers, including Ocon, remain in contention. A decision is not expected in the immediate future.
NO CONCERN OVER FERRARI LINKS
With Bearman likely to stay, the possibility of Haas fielding two Ferrari-connected drivers has been raised. Komatsu dismissed any suggestion that this would be a problem.
“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. Doesn’t matter if it’s two Ferrari drivers or two Toyota drivers or two McLaren drivers.”
The focus, he insisted, is on putting the strongest possible lineup on the grid for the benefit of the entire organisation.
WHAT THE PROCESS MEANS FOR DOOHAN AND THE REST
For Doohan, the Jerez test represents a genuine opportunity to force his way back into a race seat. Strong data against the other candidates could revitalise his Formula 1 prospects after a difficult period.
For Haas, the thorough evaluation process reflects a team determined to avoid sentiment or short-term financial incentives. In a highly competitive midfield, even small performance gains can translate into significant championship and commercial value.
Komatsu’s message is consistent and unambiguous: the fastest available drivers will get the seats. Everything else is secondary. The five candidates must now wait as Haas completes its analysis and prepares to shape its 2027 future.
