Former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan will make his sportscar racing debut this year, with Nielsen Racing in the European Le Mans Series.
The 23-year-old will share the team’s #24 ORECA 07 – Gibson with Roy Nissany and fellow rookie Edward Pearson, and compete in the LMP2 category.
Doohan is making the move into endurance racing after a difficult spell in Formula 1, which saw him dropped by Alpine F1 Team after seven races, following his rise through the junior ranks. Alongside his ELMS programme, the Australian will maintain an F1 presence this year, in his role as Haas F1 Team’s Reserve Driver.
Pearson, Nissany and Doohan form a completely changed trio aboard Nielsen’s #24 entry, which finished fifth in last year’s LMP2 teams’ championship.
“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 in the European Le Mans Series.
“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.”
Nielsen Racing’s second car, the #27 ORECA, will compete in LMP2 Pro/Am with James Allen, Kriton Lentoudis and Alex Quinn behind the wheel.
The 2026 European Le Mans Series begins at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain, on 10th to 12th April 2026.
Image courtesy of Haas F1 Team
