Jack Doohan's Super Formula Dreams Crumble: A Last-Minute Twist
The racing world witnessed a surprising turn of events as ex-Formula 1 racer Jack Doohan's plans to compete in Super Formula this season fell through at the 11th hour. Doohan, who had been widely expected to join Kondo Racing alongside Luke Browning, found himself in a predicament after his negotiations ended without an agreement.
Kondo Racing's announcement on Friday revealed a twist in the tale. They unveiled their lineup for the 2026 campaign, featuring Japanese driver Ukyo Sasahara in their second seat, alongside the previously announced Browning. This decision came as a shock, especially considering Doohan's recent exit from the Alpine F1 team and his promising rookie test performance at Suzuka.
The Australian had been on the cusp of securing the final vacant seat on the grid, part of a larger deal with Toyota that could have included Haas F1 reserve duties. However, the negotiations took a turn as it was understood that Doohan was expected to contribute a budget to secure his place at Kondo. This requirement proved to be a stumbling block, especially given his crash-prone performance during the rookie test, which saw him accumulate three incidents at Degner 2.
Doohan's setbacks during the rookie test, coupled with the budget expectation, likely contributed to the breakdown in negotiations. With few high-level opportunities available so late in the winter, Doohan now faces an uncertain future. Meanwhile, Sasahara, a two-time race winner, seizes a rare chance to return to the Super Formula grid, last racing for TOM’S in 2024.
Kondo's announcement completes the 23-car field for the 2026 season, with Shun Koide confirmed at ThreeBond Racing. This development leaves Doohan's future in question, sparking curiosity about his next moves in the racing world.
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