Jack Doohan's Ordeal: Death Threats and Transition in Formula 1

Jack Doohan, a 23-year-old Australian Formula 1 driver, has disclosed that he received multiple death threats during his tumultuous 2025 season with the Alpine F1 Team. Doohan, who was initially brought in to replace Esteban Ocon, faced a series of disappointing performances, leading to his replacement by Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix. In a revealing episode of Netflix's *Drive to Survive*, Doohan recounted the harrowing experience of being surrounded by armed men and feeling unsafe in his role as a driver.

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incidentSportskeedaJack Doohan reveals death threats during horror Alpine F1 spell

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Doohan received alarming communications, including six or seven emails threatening his life if he remained in the car. He stated, “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. I had six or seven emails saying if I am still in the car by Miami, all my limbs will be cut off.” The situation escalated to the point where he required a police escort for safety after being approached by three armed men while with his girlfriend and trainer.

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

Doohan's performance during the 2025 season was notably poor, with no points scored and multiple retirements, including in Australia and Miami. Following his demotion, he served as a reserve driver for Alpine for the remainder of the season before announcing his move to the Haas F1 Team for the 2026 season. Reflecting on his time with Alpine, Doohan expressed disappointment, stating, “I wasn’t able to enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I dreamt of for so long. So yeah, it’s pretty s**t.”

SportskeedaJack Doohan reveals death threats during horror Alpine F1 spellF1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

In light of his transition to Haas, Doohan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue his career, saying, “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.” He will partner with full-time drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman in the upcoming season.

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

While Doohan's experiences have drawn attention, there has been criticism regarding the handling of safety protocols within the sport. Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of support for drivers facing threats, highlighting a need for improved measures to ensure their safety.

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

There are discrepancies in the reporting of the exact nature and number of threats Doohan received, with some sources varying in the details of the incidents. Additionally, the broader implications of such threats on driver safety and mental health within the sport remain underexplored.

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

• “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.” — Jack Doohan, Formula 1 Driver

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

• “I wasn’t able to enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I dreamt of for so long. So yeah, it’s pretty s**t.” — Jack Doohan, Formula 1 Driver

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident

• “Speaking about the move, Doohan said: “I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team, it’s the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career.” — Jack Doohan, Formula 1 Driver

F1 driver surrounded by armed men after death threats in worrying incident