**Jack Doohan Speaks Out on Death Threats Amidst 2025 F1 Season Turmoil**
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In a significant revelation, Australian Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan disclosed that he faced serious threats to his safety during his tenure with the Alpine team in the 2025 racing season. Speaking candidly in the latest season of the popular Netflix docuseries *Formula 1: Drive to Survive*, Doohan, now 23, described receiving alarming “death threats,” detailing the harrowing experience in which individuals threatened his life should he continue racing.
The troubling comments emerged as Doohan shared his experiences during his debut full-time season in Formula 1, where he partnered with experienced driver Pierre Gasly. Despite his aspirations, the young racer encountered significant challenges, failing to secure qualifying positions in the early races of the season. The pressures mounted, both on and off the track, compelling him to involve authorities for his protection.
In the second episode of the docuseries, Doohan discussed the unfavourable media scrutiny he faced. “There’s been so much going on in the press in the last two or three months,” he noted, capturing the weight of external expectations. Gasly, who empathised with his teammate’s struggles, acknowledged the toxic atmosphere that surrounded Doohan, highlighting the impact such negativity can have on a driver’s mental health.
The gravity of the situation escalated when Doohan recounted receiving explicit threats via email. He revealed, “On top of all this, I got serious death threats for this Grand Prix. Saying they’re gonna kill me if I’m not out of the car.” These distressing messages included chilling details, with one threat mentioning the horrific prospect of having his limbs severed if he remained in the driver’s seat for the Miami Grand Prix.
That event, held in Florida, marked the sixth race of the Formula 1 World Championship, with the season featuring a total of 22 races. During the Miami Grand Prix, Doohan’s difficulties continued as he qualified in 14th place and retired early after a collision. These setbacks contributed to Alpine’s decision to shift Doohan to a reserve driver role, amid broader organisational changes within the team.
The pressures came to a head when Doohan faced a frightening encounter with three armed men while out with friends. “I had to call my police escort to come and get it under control,” he revealed, underscoring the extreme nature of the threats he was receiving during a moment meant for tranquillity and relaxation.
In reflecting on these events, Doohan remarked, “It’s not the nicest way to be going racing,” capturing the disheartening reality that overshadowed his ambitions in the sport he loves. These experiences were not taken lightly, leading to serious discussions about the mental and emotional toll racing drivers can endure.
Following a challenging season, Alpine announced in January 2026 that they and Doohan would part ways, citing a mutual agreement that allowed him to explore new opportunities. The news came via social media platform X, where the team stated, “It has reached a mutual agreement with Jack Doohan to not continue his driving services with the team for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season.”
Shortly thereafter, in early February, the Haas F1 team welcomed Doohan aboard as one of their reserve drivers for the 2026 season. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from the team, stating, “Welcoming Jack to the family. We’re excited to announce the signing of Australian Jack Doohan as our Official Reserve Driver for the 2026 season.”
In a statement expressing his excitement about the new role, Doohan commented, “I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team. It’s the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career.” As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, the Australian driver looks to regain his footing in the sport amidst the ongoing challenges.
*Formula 1: Drive to Survive* Season 8, which delves deeper into the pressures of the racing world, will premiere on Netflix on 27th February. With an insider perspective on the highs and lows of the sport, it promises to shed light on the immense stresses athletes often face both on and off the track.