Doohan going LMP2 sports car racing with Nielsen

Former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan will try his hand at sports car racing in 2026, after signing with British outfit Nielsen Racing to compete in the European Le Mans Series' hotly contested LMP2 class. The 23-year-old will share the team’s No. 24 ORECA 07-Gibson with Roy Nissany and fellow rookie Edward Pearson.

Doohan is making the move into the endurance arena after a difficult spell in Formula 1, which ended with him being dropped by Alpine after just seven races, following his rise through the junior ranks. He still remains in the single-seater sphere, though, as alongside his ELMS program the Australian serves as Haas F1 Team’s reserve driver.

“I’m really excited to be back racing in 2026 and to be joining Nielsen Racing for my first season in LMP2,” Doohan said. “It’s a new challenge with a lot to learn, but I’m confident we’ll get up to speed quickly with such a strong team around me. With Roy Nissany and Ed Pearson, we have a great mix of experience and hunger, and I’m looking forward to building strong chemistry and pushing for results. The ORECA 07 is a fantastic car and a very different challenge, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I have done very little driving in the car thus far, but the feeling has been strong and quite a lot different than a single-seater. 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. It will be a massive experience gain for wherever my career goes past here.”

The 2026 ELMS begins later this month at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain.