Jack Doohan, one of the most promising young talents in the single-seater world, faces a decisive moment in his career pathway as his Formula 1 ambitions are put on temporary hold. The Australian driver, son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, is looking beyond Formula 1 for 2025, targeting a bold switch to the ultra-competitive Japanese Super Formula series after his setbacks in securing a full-time F1 seat. This direction underlines the increasingly challenging landscape faced by junior drivers, even those with strong backing and commendable results in feeder categories.
Doohan has enjoyed a stellar junior career in recent years, particularly in Formula 2, where his speed, race craft, and ability to deliver under pressure made him a frequent tip for a future F1 call-up. Nevertheless, the bottleneck at the top of motorsport—caused by a scarcity of available F1 race seats and increasingly lengthy contracts for incumbent drivers—means the Alpine reserve driver is now seeking new opportunities to cement his reputation until a realistic F1 door opens.
In this search, Super Formula emerges as his next logical step. Japan’s premier single-seater category is renowned for its high-performance cars, close competition, and as a critical springboard for drivers with F1 aspirations. Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Pierre Gasly all experienced vital career breakthroughs—or at least fine-tuned their skills—during stints in Japan or through similar offshoot series. Super Formula’s blend of challenging machinery and technical circuits makes it the ideal environment for a driver hungry to prove himself on the international stage.
Doohan has already started discussions with several Super Formula teams, and sources close to his management hint that negotiations are at an advanced phase. The move would give him vital racing mileage at the highest level outside Europe, keeping his skills sharp and his name relevant in the Formula 1 paddock. Super Formula’s strong technical partnership with Honda and Toyota also opens new doors and connections within the broader world of international motorsport, providing both networking and development advantages.
For F1 fans, Doohan’s trajectory is a poignant reminder of the sport’s ruthless nature. Even with solid F2 performances and an existing F1 reserve driver contract, the pathway to the F1 grid is brimming with obstacles—be it sponsors’ interests, team politics, or sheer bad timing. Yet history shows that alternate routes such as Super Formula can reignite and enhance a driver’s reputation. Stoffel Vandoorne and Pierre Gasly are notable alumni who returned from Japan with stronger technical abilities and a revitalized hunger, demonstrating the championship’s relevance.
It is also worth noting that Super Formula has become a de-facto "finishing school" for would-be F1 stars. The cars, with levels of downforce and speed approaching those of F1, and a calendar with circuits demanding the utmost technical skill, provide young drivers like Doohan the ultimate test away from the relentless spotlight of Europe. This environment could see Jack not only refine his craft but also develop new cultural and professional dimensions that are highly valued by modern Formula 1 teams.
While the 2025 F1 season might not see Doohan on the main grid, his story is far from paused. Fans should keep a close eye on his Japanese venture—where the best lessons might be learned not just in victory, but in adapting to new disciplines, cultures, and racing philosophies. If he thrives, Jack Doohan could return to the European racing fold stronger than ever, carrying with him the grit, poise, and confidence forged in one of the world’s most demanding championships.
