Australian Formula One driver Jack Doohan has revealed he received serious death threats and required police intervention around the time of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, just before losing his seat with the Alpine team. The shocking disclosures were made in the latest series of the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive, which premiered on Friday.
Threats and Police Involvement Before Exit
In the documentary, Doohan described receiving multiple threatening emails ahead of what proved to be his final race with Alpine. "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," Doohan stated. He elaborated that six or seven emails contained graphic threats, including warnings that his limbs would be cut off if he remained in the car by Miami.
Doohan also recounted a disturbing incident where he encountered three armed men, prompting him to call his police escort for assistance. "I had to call my police escort to come get it under control," he said, though he did not provide details on how the situation was resolved or identify those responsible.
Timing of Threats and Alpine Departure
The threats occurred during a challenging period for Doohan, who made his F1 debut with Alpine in the final race of 2024. After a dismal start to the 2025 season, where he failed to score any points in the first six races, Alpine replaced him with Franco Colapinto following the Miami Grand Prix. Doohan has since taken on a reserve driver role with Haas for the 2026 season.
Reflecting on the atmosphere during that time, Doohan described it as "pretty heavy stuff," highlighting the intense pressure he faced both on and off the track.
Aftermath and Online Abuse
Following his replacement by Colapinto in May 2025, Doohan took to social media to address ongoing online abuse directed at him and his family. He suggested that fans from Colapinto's home country of Argentina were behind some of the harassment, though he did not directly link this to the death threats mentioned in the documentary.
The 2025 season proved difficult for both drivers, with Doohan and Colapinto being the only two F1 competitors who failed to score any points. Alpine ultimately finished last in the constructors' standings, compounding the team's struggles.
Impact on Career and Future Prospects
Doohan's revelations shed light on the extreme pressures and dangers that can accompany a career in elite motorsport. His move to Haas as a reserve driver for 2026 represents a fresh start, but the experience has undoubtedly left a mark on his professional journey.
The inclusion of these events in Drive to Survive underscores the documentary's role in exposing the behind-the-scenes realities of Formula One, beyond the glamour and competition typically showcased.
