Jack Doohan’s journey through the 2025 Formula 1 season took a harrowing turn that few in the paddock could have anticipated. In the latest season of the Netflix documentary series Drive To Survive, released on February 27, 2026, the Australian driver opened up about a series of terrifying threats and a chilling encounter with armed men that unfolded just before the Miami Grand Prix—an episode that ultimately marked the end of his tenure with Alpine.
Doohan, who made his Formula 1 debut with Alpine in the final race of 2024, recounted the events in detail, painting a picture of a tense and unsettling atmosphere. "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 revealed in the documentary. "I had six or seven emails saying if I’m still in the car by Miami, that I’ll be, you know, all my limbs will be cut off." The gravity of these threats was impossible to ignore, and the timing—right before what would become his final race for Alpine—only intensified the pressure.
The situation escalated further when Doohan encountered three armed men around the time of the Miami Grand Prix. The driver described the incident as deeply alarming, stating, "I had to call my police escort to come get it under control." Although Doohan did not specify how the confrontation was resolved or identify those responsible, the fact that such measures were necessary underscores the seriousness of the threats he faced. The Formula 1 paddock is no stranger to intense rivalries and passionate fan bases, but this level of menace is a sobering reminder of the dangers that can sometimes lurk behind the glamour of the sport.
As the Miami Grand Prix concluded—the sixth race of the 2025 season—Doohan’s career trajectory took another sharp turn. Alpine decided to replace him with Franco Colapinto, a move announced in May. The decision came after a string of difficult results for the team and its drivers. Both Doohan and Colapinto would go on to finish the season without scoring a single point, a statistic that weighed heavily on both their records and contributed to Alpine’s last-place finish in the constructors’ standings.
Shortly after his departure from Alpine, Doohan took to social media to address another wave of hostility. He revealed that both he and his family had been subjected to online abuse, which he attributed to fans from Colapinto’s home country of Argentina. While the world of Formula 1 is often characterized by fierce national loyalties and spirited debate, the personal nature of these attacks struck a nerve. Doohan’s willingness to speak out about both the physical and digital threats he faced has sparked conversations across the motorsport community about safety, mental health, and the responsibilities of fans and teams alike.
Doohan’s experience is particularly striking given the context of his career. After years of working his way up the junior ranks and finally securing a coveted Formula 1 seat, his debut for Alpine at the close of 2024 was a moment of triumph. Yet, less than six months later, he found himself not only fighting for his place on the grid but also for his personal security. The pressure cooker environment of Formula 1, where every race can make or break a career, was compounded by threats that extended far beyond the racetrack.
Despite these setbacks, Doohan has not stepped away from the sport entirely. He has since joined Haas as a reserve driver, a role that allows him to remain close to the action while regrouping for another potential shot at a full-time seat. "It’s the ideal place to continue my Formula One career," Doohan said earlier in the month, expressing optimism about his new position. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu echoed this sentiment, noting, "The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it’s challenging for any driver—especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jack and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions."
The upcoming 2026 season offers Doohan a fresh start, with the first race set to take place at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8. For Doohan, the return to his home soil as part of the Haas roster represents more than just another chapter in his racing journey—it’s a chance to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and to remind the paddock of his talent and determination.
The release of Drive To Survive has brought Doohan’s story to a global audience, sparking widespread discussion about the darker side of sports fandom and the unique pressures faced by elite athletes. While Formula 1 has always thrived on drama and high stakes, the events surrounding Doohan’s final days at Alpine have cast a spotlight on the urgent need for greater protections for drivers, both on and off the track.
As the motorsport world gears up for another season, Doohan’s ordeal stands as a cautionary tale and a rallying cry. The intersection of personal safety, mental health, and the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence is now front and center in conversations among drivers, teams, and fans alike. Will the lessons learned from Doohan’s experience lead to lasting change? Only time will tell, but for now, the Australian’s courage in sharing his story has already made a significant impact.
With the 2026 Formula 1 season fast approaching and Doohan preparing for his new role with Haas, all eyes will be on Melbourne to see whether this young driver can turn a season of turmoil into a comeback for the ages. For now, the paddock is left to reflect on a turbulent year and the resilience required to compete at the very highest level of motorsport.