Jack Doohan, the Australian driver, faced severe death threats prior to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, marking his final Formula 1 start with the French Alpine team. The troubling episode was revealed in a Netflix series documenting the race buildup and Doohan’s turbulent time at Alpine.
Before the Miami race, speculation grew that Doohan’s position with Alpine was under threat. The series episode, titled “Strictly Business,” follows Doohan and the controversial team principal Flavio Briatore, highlighting the tense environment Doohan faced.
Details of Threats and Increased Security Measures
In the series, Doohan described receiving harrowing death threats, including emails warning of violence if he remained in the car for Miami. He said,
“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,”
and added,
“I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.”
Doohan also recounted a frightening incident where he was confronted by armed men while with his girlfriend and trainer, forcing him to call his police escort to regain control of the situation.
“I had to call my police escort to come and get it under control,”
he said.
Alpine and Formula 1 acknowledged the threats and took steps to enhance Doohan’s security. F1 issued a statement affirming their commitment to a respectful and supportive community, emphasizing zero tolerance for abusive behavior. They declared,
“Formula 1 is a family and a community that is based on respect and support for each other,”
and added,
“As a community and will report anyone found to be acting in this way to the appropriate authorities and platforms.”
Challenges During Doohan’s Brief F1 Career
Doohan’s Formula 1 career lasted only six grands prix, during which he endured multiple crashes, including one at his home event, the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. His best finish was 13th place at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, with two races ending in non-finishes.
Following the Miami race, Doohan was replaced mid-2025 season by Argentina’s Franco Colapinto but stayed with Alpine as a reserve driver through 2026. Despite remaining associated with the team, he did not return to competitive F1 racing.
Impact on Doohan’s Family and Team Dynamics
The harassment extended beyond Doohan himself, affecting his family as well. False images falsely attributed to his father, Mick Doohan, were circulated on social media after Colapinto’s crash at Imola, leading to backlash from Argentine fans. In addition, teammate Pierre Gasly referred to the toxic discussions surrounding Doohan in the team environment, highlighting the difficult context he endured.
Broader Significance and Future Implications
Doohan’s experience exposes the darker side of Formula 1’s competitive pressures and fan culture, demonstrating how far some will go to influence team and driver outcomes. The sport’s governing bodies’ response to such threats reflects an ongoing commitment to protect drivers and preserve the integrity of the racing community. Doohan’s story will likely prompt further attention to security and mental health support for drivers facing intense scrutiny and hostility.
