Rising Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan, son of Australian motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, discloses receiving severe death threats during the 2025 season, prompting armed security protection.
Threats Escalate Ahead of Miami Grand Prix
The incidents peaked before the Miami Grand Prix on May 5, 2025, while Doohan raced for Alpine. In Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, he recounts the gravity of the situation ahead of his final race with the team, replaced shortly after 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. He adds, “I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.”
Online Abuse Campaign Targets Doohan Family
The harassment stemmed from an aggressive social media effort, primarily from users believed to be in Argentina, following Colapinto’s team arrival. A parody account, ‘formulafakers,’ posted a fabricated Instagram image falsely attributed to Mick Doohan. It depicted Colapinto’s damaged Alpine with the caption ‘Very impressive’ and laughing emojis, mocking the crash.
Several Argentine outlets reported the fake post as authentic, igniting widespread attacks on the Doohan family. Doohan made a public appeal weeks after Miami, urging trolls to cease targeting his relatives amid the abuse surge.
Armed Guards Protect Doohan in Miami
The threats escalated to require police escorts and armed guards during the Miami event. Doohan attended with his girlfriend, Ebony Zippora Gold, and trainer. “I was there with my freaking girlfriend and my trainer, and I’ve got three freaking armed men around me. I had to call my police escort to come and get it under control,” he describes.
Pressure mounted after Doohan substituted for Esteban Ocon at the 2024 Abu Dhabi finale. Colapinto’s signing intensified scrutiny. Doohan scored no points in his first six races, crashing at the Australian Grand Prix and facing issues at Suzuka with a DRS mishap in Turn 1.
Alpine demoted him to reserve post-Miami, before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and parted ways in January 2026. “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 in 2026
Doohan recently joins Haas as reserve driver for 2026. “Haas is the ideal place to continue my career,” he announces. “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.”
Haas principal Ayao Komatsu expresses enthusiasm: “[I’m] very excited to have Doohan as part of [the] team given his vast experience. The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works… it’s challenging for any driver—especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level.”
