Doohan Reveals Death Threats Before Alpine F1 Team Release
Jack Doohan, the Australian driver, faced serious threats before the 2025 Miami Grand Prix while racing for the Alpine Formula 1 team. In a recent episode of the Netflix documentary series “Drive To Survive,” he revealed that he received multiple death threats via email around that time. The situation escalated to the point where Doohan had to contact local police for assistance when he encountered armed individuals.
Details of the Death Threats
Doohan described the threatening messages he received leading up to the Miami event. He said, “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.” He reported receiving six or seven emails, some containing graphic threats regarding his safety.
The Incident with Armed Men
During this turbulent period, Doohan faced an unsettling encounter with three armed men. Concerned for his safety, he called for a police escort to manage the situation. He did not disclose how the incident was ultimately resolved or the identities of those involved.
Doohan’s Career at Alpine
This turbulent period coincided with Doohan’s career, which saw him debut with Alpine at the last race of 2024. However, he was replaced by Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. Following this, he became a reserve driver for the Haas team.
Online Abuse and Reactions
After his replacement in May, Doohan took to social media to express that he and his family had been subjected to online abuse. He suggested that some of this hostility stemmed from fans of Colapinto, who hails from Argentina.
Performance and Standings
Both Doohan and Colapinto struggled during the season, as they were the only two drivers in Formula 1 not to score any points. Meanwhile, Alpine finished last in the constructors’ standings, compounding the challenges faced by the team and its drivers.
- Driver: Jack Doohan
- Team: Alpine
- Replacement: Franco Colapinto
- Location of threats: Miami Grand Prix
- Nature of threats: Death threats via email
The intense atmosphere surrounding the Miami Grand Prix illustrates the pressures faced by professional drivers. Doohan’s experiences highlight the darker side of competitive sports and the need for support systems within the racing community.
