Australian Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan exposed the terrifying death threats he received from fervent supporters of Franco Colapinto just days before the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The 23-year-old faced these alarming messages during his rookie year while racing full-time for Alpine, immediately before being replaced by the Argentine driver.
Details of the Threats and Their Impact on Doohan’s Experience
Doohan revealed in Netflix’s Drive to Survive (Season 8, episode “Strictly Business”) that several emails gruesomely warned of violence if he remained in the car for the Miami race.
“I got serious death threats for this [Miami] Grand Prix, saying they’re going to kill me here, if I’m not out of the car,”
he stated, adding,
“I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.”
These menacing communications were part of a growing online campaign from Colapinto’s fans, predominantly in Argentina, vehemently demanding Doohan’s removal due to his challenging start that season. What began as hostile social media criticism soon escalated into explicit threats, forcing Alpine and Doohan to take immediate security precautions.
Heightened Security Measures Ahead of Miami Grand Prix
In response to the escalating situation, Doohan was accompanied by armed security personnel during his pre-race days.
“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,”
Doohan recounted, emphasizing how unsettling the experience was. He further expressed his frustration, saying,
“I wasn’t able to enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I dreamt of for so long. So yeah, it’s pretty s**t.”
Career Progression and Team Changes Following the Incident
After competing in Miami, Doohan was replaced by Franco Colapinto for the rest of the 2025 season, with Alpine naming the Argentine as their next driver. Doohan transitioned to a reserve role for Alpine before securing a similar reserve position with Haas for 2026, continuing to build his career amid these challenges.
Broader Implications of Fan Hostility in Formula 1
This disturbing episode highlights the expanding problem of toxic fan behavior and online harassment within Formula 1. Teammate Pierre Gasly was visibly troubled in the documentary, noting,
“everybody is talking about him in a way that is quite toxic.”
Beyond Jack Doohan himself, his family also endured harassment; fake images and messages falsely attributed to his father, five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, circulated to intensify the backlash.
Ongoing Concerns About Online Abuse Towards Drivers
As Season 8 of Drive to Survive launched on February 27, Doohan’s story serves as a stark example of how fan enthusiasm can turn destructive. Several F1 drivers, including Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda, have spoken out against similar harassment. Despite calls from teams and the FIA for social platforms to clamp down on abuse, incidents like these reveal the ongoing, painful toll such behavior takes on athletes.
Doohan’s Message Amid Challenges: F1 Dreams Amid Fan Toxicity
For the young Australian now associated with Haas for 2026, the journey conveys a clear warning: the pursuit of a Formula 1 career can carry severe emotional risks when fan loyalty crosses into hostility. The racing community continues to grapple with safeguarding athletes from threats while maintaining competitive spirit.
