In a shocking turn of events, Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan has found himself in a precarious situation, hiring round-the-clock security during the Miami Grand Prix after receiving threats from fans of Franco Colapinto, the driver who has replaced him at Alpine. The 22-year-old, son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, has had a challenging season, culminating in his recent axing from the team.
Reports suggest that the threats were so severe that Doohan felt compelled to take drastic measures for his safety. Leading F1 photographer Kym Illman shed light on the situation, stating, "He was receiving all sorts of threats online so much so that he had round-the-clock security in Miami and was planning on keeping that security for the Brazilian Grand Prix." This revelation underscores the intense pressure and scrutiny drivers face in the high-stakes world of Formula One.
Illman noted that typically only top drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri have full-time security. The fact that Doohan, a relatively new driver, required such measures speaks volumes about the fanatical nature of some supporters. It was reported that fans had discovered Doohan's personal email address, leading to a barrage of threatening messages that not only affected Doohan but also raised concerns for the safety of his girlfriend, Ebony Zippora Gold, and his father.
"It was plain to see by those close to the Aussie that those threats weighed heavily on him," Illman added. The situation escalated to the point where Doohan, his girlfriend, and even his father were genuinely worried for their safety during the Miami Grand Prix. This kind of harassment is not just limited to Doohan, as reports indicate that senior figures within the Alpine squad, journalists, and other officials have also faced threats from Colapinto's supporters.
Doohan's tumultuous journey with Alpine took a significant turn when confirmation came that he would be replaced by Colapinto after just six races. Speculation surrounding his position had been rife for months, and the Miami Grand Prix seemed to be the tipping point. A hot-mic incident involving one of Colapinto's sponsors appeared to confirm that Doohan was on his way out, intensifying the pressure on the young driver.
In the wake of his dismissal, Mick Doohan expressed frustration over Alpine's decision to drop his son. He took to Instagram to share a graphic comparing Jack's results to those of Pierre Gasly, the other driver on the Alpine team, to illustrate his point about the performance of the Alpine car this season. However, the statistics revealed that Gasly had indeed outperformed Doohan, adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.
Following his axing, Jack Doohan released a statement expressing his disappointment but also his determination to continue pursuing his goals. He stated, "I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula One driver and I will forever be grateful to the team for helping me achieve this dream. Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing. We have long-term goals as a team to achieve and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those. For now, I will keep my head down, keep working hard, watch with interest the next five races and keep chasing my own personal goals."
The F1 season is set to continue with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy on May 18, 2025, at 11 PM AEST. The upcoming race will be crucial for both Doohan, who remains the team's first-choice reserve driver, and for Colapinto as he steps into the spotlight.
As the drama unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how both drivers cope with the pressures of the sport, especially in light of the extreme fan reactions that have marred this chapter of Doohan's career. The intensity of Formula One racing is not just confined to the track; it extends into the lives of the drivers and their families, highlighting the need for a supportive and safe environment in the sport.
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will not only be a test of skill and strategy but also a moment of reflection on the challenges faced by drivers in the modern era of Formula One.
