LONDON (AP) - Australian driver Jack Doohan has revealed that he faced severe threats, including death threats, during the lead-up to last year's Miami Grand Prix, a pivotal moment that preceded his exit from Formula 1 with the Alpine team. In a recent episode of the Netflix documentary series "Drive To Survive," which was released on Friday, Doohan shared details about the distressing atmosphere surrounding what turned out to be his final race with Alpine.
Doohan made his Formula 1 debut for Alpine in the last race of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, his stint was short-lived, as he was replaced by fellow driver Franco Colapinto after the Miami race, which was the sixth event of the 2025 season. Following this development, Doohan has taken on the role of reserve driver for the Haas team.
In the documentary, Doohan expressed the gravity of the threats he received, stating, "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 mentioned receiving six or seven emails that explicitly threatened his safety, with alarming messages implying brutal consequences if he continued as a driver for the Miami Grand Prix. "If I’m still in the car by Miami, that I’ll be, you know, all my limbs will be cut off," he recounted, adding to the chilling nature of the threats.
Moreover, Doohan recounted a frightening incident where he encountered three armed men. In response, he had to contact his police escort for assistance in managing the situation, though he did not disclose any specifics regarding the outcome or identify those involved in the threatening incidents.
After Doohan was replaced by Colapinto in May, he took to social media to express distress about the online abuse directed at him and his family. He suggested that a significant portion of this harassment came from fans of Colapinto, who hails from Argentina.
Both Doohan and Colapinto notably struggled during their season, being the only two drivers in Formula 1 who failed to score any points, coinciding with Alpine finishing last in the constructors' standings.
This revelation from Doohan sheds light on not only the pressures of racing at such high levels but also the impact of external factors and fan reactions on drivers’ mental health and safety. As the competitive environment of Formula 1 intensifies, incidents like these raise important questions about the responsibilities of fans and the sport's governing bodies in ensuring a safe atmosphere for all participants.
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