Rising Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan, son of Australian motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, discloses receiving graphic death threats in 2025 that required armed security protection.
Threats Escalate Before Miami Grand Prix
The 23-year-old Australian faced intense danger while racing for Alpine, peaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 5. In Netflix’s Drive to Survive docu-series, Doohan recounts the ordeal during his final race with the team before replacement by Franco Colapinto.
“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,” Doohan states. “I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.”
Armed Guards Protect Doohan and Family
Weeks after the event, Doohan publicly urged online trolls to cease attacks on his family amid relentless social media abuse. The harassment, primarily from users believed to be in Argentina following Colapinto’s arrival, intensified beyond typical criticism.
At the Miami race, Doohan, his girlfriend Ebony Zippora Gold, and trainer required police escorts and three armed guards. “I was there with my f***ing girlfriend and my trainer, and I’ve got three f***ing armed men around me. I had to call my police escort to come and get it under control,” he reveals.
Abuse Sparks from Fake Social Media Post
A parody account, formulafakers, posted a fabricated Instagram image falsely attributed to Mick Doohan. It mocked Colapinto’s wrecked Alpine with the caption “Very impressive” and laughing emojis. Several Argentine outlets reported it as authentic, triggering widespread attacks on the Doohan family.
Doohan endured pressure after substituting for Esteban Ocon at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Colapinto’s signing heightened tensions. Doohan scored no points in his first six 2025 races, crashing at the Australian Grand Prix and facing issues at Suzuka with a DRS mishap.
Alpine demoted him to reserve after Miami, installing Colapinto for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The team parted ways with Doohan in January.
“I wasn’t able to enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I dreamt of for so long. So yeah, it’s pretty s***,” Doohan reflects.
New Chapter with Haas Reserve Role
Earlier this month, Doohan joins Haas as reserve driver for the 2026 season, calling it the “ideal place” to advance. “I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together. I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season,” he says.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expresses enthusiasm: “The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it’s challenging for any driver – especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level.”
