Australia’s Jack Doohan has revealed that he received “serious death threats” during his brief Formula 1 stint at Alpine, needing additional security for last year’s Miami Grand Prix.
The now 23-year-old, son of motorbike legend Mick Dooha, was unveiled as Esteban Ocon’s replacement ahead of the 2025 season, having made his F1 debut in Abu Dhabi the previous year.
However, the Gold Coast-born driver endured a torrid start to his F1 career — after retiring from the Australian Grand Prix, he finished 13th, 15th, 14th and 17th place before an DNF in Miami. The former Alpine academy driver was replaced Argentina’s Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season.
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Doohan’s maiden F1 season was profiled in the latest season of Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, during which he opens up on the disgusting threats he received ahead of the Miami race.
“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 said.
“I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.
“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.”
Doohan added while speaking to The Times: “I wasn’t able to enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I dreamt of for so long. So yeah, it’s pretty s***.”
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In a statement, F1 confirmed it was aware of the threats, upping Doohan’s security in response.
“Formula 1 is a family and a community that is based on respect and support for each other,” F1 said.
“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.
“As a community and will report anyone found to be acting in this way to the appropriate authorities and platforms.”
Doohan served as Alpine’s as reserve driver for the remainder of the 2025 season before parting ways with the team, since signing with Haas. He will serve as the team’s reserve driver for the 2026 season, supporting 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 F1 season commences on March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix.