Doohan leaves Nielsen Racing after four ELMS races as Haas schedule forces change – Haas reserve driver Jack Doohan has ended his European Le Mans Series campaign after just four races, with Nielsen Racing confirming that a change to his schedule has made him unavailable for the final two rounds of the season.
Former Formula 1 driver Jack Aitken will replace the Australian for the remainder of the ELMS campaign. Doohan joined Nielsen Racing in April and contested the opening four ELMS races alongside Ed Pearson and Roy Nissany in the team’s No. 24 Oreca 07.
Doohan’s ELMS campaign ends early
The 23-year-old scored 21 points with the crew during those four events, leaving them eighth in the championship standings before his departure.
Nielsen Racing confirmed that Doohan will not return for the final two rounds because of changes to his schedule.
“Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to Jack Doohan, who can no longer drive for the team. Due to changes in his schedule, he is now unavailable for the final two races,” the team said, according to Speedcafe.
The exact commitments that have created the clash have not been disclosed.
Aitken takes over for final two races
Aitken will make his Nielsen Racing debut at the Four Hours of Silverstone on September 13 before completing the ELMS season at Portimao.
The former Williams Formula 1 driver will share the No. 24 Oreca 07 with Pearson and Nissany.
“We are delighted to welcome Jack Aitken to the team this weekend for the Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone,” Nielsen Racing said, according to Speedcafe. “Jack will be driving the No. 24 Oreca 07 alongside Ed Pearson and Roy Nissany.”
Aitken brings considerable endurance racing experience to the line-up, making him a natural replacement as Nielsen Racing looks to maintain its position in the championship during the final two rounds.
Doohan’s Formula 1 career stalled quickly
The ELMS decision comes during a difficult period in Doohan’s racing career.
The Australian made his Formula 1 debut with Alpine in 2024 before entering the 2025 season as the team’s full-time driver. However, his time as a Grand Prix starter lasted only six races.
Doohan retired from two of those six races and was subsequently replaced by Franco Colapinto.
He was later dropped by Alpine altogether and explored a move into Super Formula, although his involvement did not progress beyond testing.
For the 2026 season, Doohan secured a reserve-driver role with Haas, giving him a route back into the Formula 1 paddock while continuing to pursue opportunities outside the championship.
Le Mans result adds to endurance experience
Doohan also gained experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans earlier this year.
Competing in the prestigious endurance event in June, Doohan and his teammates finished 32nd overall.
His ELMS campaign provided another opportunity to build experience in prototype machinery, but the early departure means he will not contest the final two rounds of the season.
For now, Doohan’s focus remains on his Haas reserve role and whatever opportunities emerge from his commitments outside Formula 1.
Doohan’s early ELMS exit is another change in direction for a driver whose Formula 1 career was cut short after only six Grands Prix. His Haas reserve position keeps him connected to F1, but his immediate competitive programme in the ELMS has now come to an end.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
