Former Alpine driver Jack Doohan has disclosed receiving severe death threats ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, as featured in Netflix's Drive to Survive Season 8. The 23-year-old Australian faced escalating pressure from rumors of being replaced by Franco Colapinto, leading to armed protection during the event weekend. Doohan later transitioned to a reserve role with Haas for 2026.
Jack Doohan, a 23-year-old Australian driver, joined Alpine for his full-time Formula 1 debut in 2025, racing alongside Pierre Gasly. Early in the season, rumors emerged that he might be replaced by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, intensifying scrutiny on Doohan's performance. These pressures culminated before the Miami Grand Prix, his seventh and final race with the team.
In the upcoming eighth season of Netflix's Drive to Survive, Doohan detailed the threats he received. "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 said. "I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off."
The threats, linked to an online campaign by Colapinto supporters, escalated to the point where Doohan required security measures. On the Wednesday before the race, while with his girlfriend and trainer, he was surrounded by three armed men and had to call for a police escort to manage the situation. "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.
Doohan completed the Miami race but was subsequently replaced by Colapinto for the remainder of 2025. He finished the year as Alpine's reserve driver. In January 2026, Alpine announced a mutual parting, allowing Doohan to pursue other opportunities. The team praised his commitment over four years.
By early February 2026, Doohan signed as a reserve driver with Haas. "I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team," he stated. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu welcomed him, highlighting Doohan's racing resume and Formula 1 experience.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about fan toxicity in Formula 1. Teammate Pierre Gasly expressed distress in the docuseries, noting the toxic discussions surrounding Doohan. Doohan's family, including father Mick Doohan, a five-time MotoGP champion, also faced fabricated attacks online. Drive to Survive Season 8 premieres on February 27, 2026.
