Jack Doohan has secured his return to competitive motorsport after Nielsen Racing announced the Australian will contest the European Le Mans Series in 2026.
The 23-year-old’s F1 career stalled dramatically last season when Alpine released him after just six rounds, with Franco Colapinto promoted to replace him.
Doohan’s premature departure left many questioning whether the 2021 FIA F3 runner-up could salvage his single-seater aspirations.
Doohan has since landed a reserve driver role with Haas for the current campaign, providing a potential pathway back to the Formula 1 grid.
However, his immediate focus shifts to endurance racing as he prepares to pilot Nielsen’s No. 24 ORECA 07 Gibson LMP2 prototype.
He will share driving duties with Roy Nissany and Edward Pearson in what represents an entirely fresh line-up for Nielsen’s ELMS assault.
Nissany brings previous F1 test experience and made his own series debut last year with Duqueine, whilst Pearson arrives as another single-seater convert.
For Doohan, the switch represents a significant departure from the open-wheel formula cars that have defined his career trajectory. Nonetheless, he is relishing the opportunity.
“I’m very excited to be back racing – it’s almost going to be 12 months since my last race,” said Doohan. “Amazing to do it with Nielsen Racing and to make this transition into sports cars.”
“There’s a lot to learn, and it’s extremely important to get some seat time, but we will get acclimatised quickly, having a great team around me to do so, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Limited preparation time before season launch
Doohan acknowledged his preparation in the ORECA remains minimal, though early impressions suggest promise despite the fundamental differences from his F1 background.
A proposed move to the Japanese series Super Formula fell through following disappointing test results, making the Nielsen opportunity crucial for maintaining competitive momentum. The ELMS campaign offers valuable race experience while keeping Doohan visible to potential F1 suitors.
“Obviously, the first thing was a roof over my head and some obstructions in view, but nevertheless it’s a nice variation in the driving style, obviously multiple stints meaning more than one driver and a bigger picture taken to play for,” he added.
“All in all, it will help and be a massive experience gain for wherever my career goes past here.”
Doohan’s confirmation reduces the remaining LMP2 vacancies to a handful ahead of the season opener at Barcelona on 12 April.
The timing provides limited preparation opportunity, though Nielsen’s experience should accelerate his adaptation process.
