Australia’s Jack Doohan has shockingly revealed that he was the target of “serious death threats” during his brief stint in Formula 1 with the Alpine team. The threats necessitated additional security measures, including a police escort, during last year’s Miami Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old, son of motorbike legend Mick Doohan, was recently announced as Esteban Ocon’s replacement ahead of the 2025 season. Doohan made his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi the previous year, but his early career was marred by a series of challenging races. After retiring from the Australian Grand Prix, he struggled to secure strong finishes, placing 13th, 15th, 14th, and 17th before a DNF in Miami. Consequently, he was replaced by Argentina’s Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season.
Death Threats and Security Measures
Doohan’s harrowing experiences were highlighted in the latest season of the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive. He candidly discussed the vile threats he received ahead of the Miami race, revealing the extent of the danger he faced.
“I got serious death threats for this Grand Prix, saying they’re going to kill me here, if I’m not out of the car,” Doohan recounted. “I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.”
He described a particularly distressing scene: “Wednesday, I was there with my f***ing girlfriend and my trainer, and I’ve got three armed men around me — I had to call my police escort to come and get it under control.”
Speaking to The Times, Doohan expressed his frustration: “I wasn’t able to enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I dreamt of for so long. So yeah, it’s pretty s***.”
Formula 1’s Response
In response to the threats, Formula 1 confirmed that it was aware of the situation and had increased Doohan’s security. The organization emphasized its commitment to maintaining a respectful and supportive community.
“Formula 1 is a family and a community that is based on respect and support for each other,” F1 stated. “There is no place for abusive behaviour either online or in person, and the whole sport stands united against anyone that attempts to undermine our values.”
F1 assured that it would report any individuals found to be acting in such a manner to the appropriate authorities and platforms.
Career Moves and Future Prospects
After serving as Alpine’s reserve driver for the remainder of the 2025 season, Doohan parted ways with the team and signed with Haas. He will serve as the reserve driver for the 2026 season, supporting Esteban Ocon and Oliver Beardman.
“I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together,” Doohan said in a statement. “I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to commence on March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix, marking a fresh start for Doohan as he looks to overcome the challenges of his early career and make a significant impact on the track.
Implications and Looking Ahead
The threats against Doohan underscore the darker side of sports fandom, where passion can sometimes cross the line into dangerous territory. This incident highlights the importance of security measures and mental health support for athletes who face such pressures.
As Doohan prepares for the upcoming season with Haas, the focus will be on his ability to channel his experiences into performance on the track. His journey will be closely watched as he seeks to establish himself as a formidable competitor in the world of Formula 1.
