A Formula 1 star has revealed that he has received “serious death threats” – Jack Doohan’s brief and challenging tenure with Alpine in Formula 1 has taken on a far more troubling dimension. In the eighth season of the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, the 23-year-old Australian reveals that he received what he describes as ‘serious death threats’ during the Miami Grand Prix weekend in April.
The new season of the popular behind-the-scenes series premieres on Netflix on 27 February, and several media outlets have already reported on Doohan’s statements ahead of its release. His account sheds light on the darker side of life in Formula 1, where intense scrutiny and online hostility can escalate into real-world security concerns.
Threats ahead of the Miami Grand Prix
In the documentary, Doohan describes a deeply unsettling experience in the lead-up to the race in Florida.
“I received serious death threats at the Miami Grand Prix,” he says. “I received six or seven emails informing me that if I was still in the car in Miami, all my limbs would be cut off.”
The messages prompted immediate concern within the Alpine team. According to Doohan, the threats were considered credible enough to require enhanced security measures for the entire race weekend in Miami.
Police protection and armed security were arranged
As a result of the threats, Alpine arranged additional protection for their young driver. Doohan explains that the level of security quickly became overwhelming.
“On Wednesday, I was there with my girlfriend and my trainer, and I had three armed men around me. I had to call a police escort to get them to come and bring the situation under control,” he says in the series.
The presence of armed security and the need for police involvement underline the seriousness with which the situation was treated. For a driver at the beginning of his Formula 1 career, this experience was a stark contrast to the usual excitement and pride of competing at the highest level of motorsport.
An Alpine spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic that the team had been informed about the threats before the Miami weekend. The matter was coordinated with Formula 1 and the Grand Prix organisers to ensure appropriate safety measures were in place.
“The safety of all employees, including the drivers, is of the highest priority and is taken very seriously by the team at all events,” the spokesperson stated.
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Formula 1 has issued a firm response
Formula 1 itself also responded publicly to the revelations. In an official statement, the organisation emphasised its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
“Formula 1 is a family and a community based on mutual respect and support. There is no place for abusive behaviour, either online or in person, and the entire sport stands united against anyone attempting to undermine our values. As a community, we will report anyone behaving in this way to the relevant authorities and platforms”.
Governing bodies and teams have increasingly had to address issues related to online abuse in recent years, particularly as the sport’s global audience has grown significantly. Doohan’s experience highlights how digital hostility can escalate into real-world threats with serious consequences.
A difficult end to his Alpine chapter
The Miami Grand Prix ultimately marked Doohan’s final race weekend as Alpine’s regular driver. Shortly afterwards, he lost his seat to former reserve driver Franco Colapinto. In Drive to Survive, Doohan candidly reflects on how the situation affected him personally.
“I couldn’t enjoy being a Formula 1 driver, something I had dreamed of for so long. So, yeah, it was pretty awful,” he admits.
For a young driver who had worked for years to reach Formula 1, the combination of sporting disappointment and fears for his personal security made for a deeply challenging period.
A new role with Haas
Despite the setback, Doohan has remained within the Formula 1 paddock. At the beginning of February, the American team Haas F1 Team announced that he would be joining them as a reserve driver.
This offers him the opportunity to rebuild after a turbulent chapter and maintain his presence in the sport.
NEXT ARTICLE – Christian Horner reveals what message Toto Wolff sent him after his dismissal from Red Bull Racing
For years, the rivalry between Christian Horner and Toto Wolff has been one of Formula 1’s most reliable subplots. While the drivers battled it out on the track, their respective team bosses provided the drama in the paddock, sometimes subtle, often not.
So, when Horner was dismissed from Red Bull Racing shortly after last year’s British Grand Prix, many wondered whether Wolff would raise a quiet toast or send a quiet message.
As it turns out, he chose the latter.
In the latest season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Horner reveals exactly what his long-time rival sent him in the aftermath of his exit. In true Wolff fashion, it was equal parts sharp and sincere, and just self-aware enough to be dangerous.
When ‘porpoising’ nearly caused a diplomatic incident
To understand the tone of that message, it helps to revisit one of their more combustible flashpoints.
Three years ago, amid the chaos of Formula 1’s ground-effect return, several teams were battling severe ‘porpoising’, the high-speed bouncing that turned multimillion-pound race cars into mechanical pogo sticks. Wolff, whose driver Lewis Hamilton was visibly suffering from back pain, pushed hard at a meeting of the team principals for regulatory changes.
The problem? Sympathy was in short supply.
Horner, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, suggested the discussion might be better held away from the ever-present Netflix cameras. Wolff did not appreciate the meta-commentary. Tempers flared. Tempers flared. Subtlety left the room.
Horner eventually snapped: ‘Then adjust your bloody car!’
Wolff countered by invoking Sergio Pérez, claiming that even the Red Bull driver had complained. Horner flatly denied it. Wolff, with theatrical precision, declared: “I have it printed out.”
It was peak Drive to Survive. Shakespeare, but with data sheets…CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE
Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
