Doohan Faces Death Threats Ahead of Losing Alpine F1 Seat to Colapinto
Jack Doohan has opened up about the disturbing death threats he encountered leading up to the Miami Grand Prix last year. This race marked one of his final performances in Formula 1 before being replaced by Franco Colapinto.
Threats and Safety Concerns
Before the Miami race in May, Doohan received multiple threatening emails. “I had six or seven emails saying that if I was still in the car by Miami, that all my limbs would be cut off,” he disclosed in an interview for the new season of *Drive to Survive*.
Doohan also mentioned the intensity of the threats during the race weekend, stating, “On top of all this, I got serious death threats for this grand prix.” His concerns were substantial enough that he requested police assistance for protection. “I’ve got three armed men during the weekend,” he recounted. “I had to call my police escort to come get it under control.”
Transition to Colapinto
- Doohan was replaced by Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix.
- Speculation regarding his replacement arose when a sponsor made comments about Colapinto’s future.
- Despite denials from Alpine’s team principal, the switch was officially announced three days after Miami.
Retirement from the Race
Doohan’s race ended prematurely due to contact with Liam Lawson at the first corner. The pressure he experienced was palpable. He expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m already closed-lipped 99% of the time,” illustrating the challenges of the situation.
New Beginnings at Haas
In January, Doohan departed from Alpine and secured a role as a reserve driver for Haas. Despite the incidents at Miami, he continues to pursue his aspirations in Formula 1.
Doohan’s experience sheds light on the darker side of competitive racing, where the stakes are high and personal attacks can cross unsettling lines. Concerns about safety and psychological pressure remain vital topics for athletes in high-stress environments like Formula One.
