Australian F1 driver Jack Doohan faced harrowing circumstances leading up to his shocking dismissal from Alpine, with revelations surfacing that he had required 24-hour personal security during the Miami Grand Prix. The young driver, just six races into the 2025 season, was reportedly inundated with serious online threats, some of which targeted his family and disrupted his sleep. Sources close to the situation disclosed that these security concerns extended beyond Miami, with plans in place to maintain protection at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
These safety fears intensified amid swirling speculation about Doohan’s future, as Franco Colapinto’s switch from Williams to Alpine’s reserve team seemed to signal a looming change. Colapinto’s fervent fanbase, bolstered by Argentina’s growing Formula 1 interest, allegedly harassed Doohan online in an effort to secure their countryman a seat. This toxic atmosphere reportedly pushed Doohan into a state of persistent anxiety, while his girlfriend and father also expressed genuine fear for their well-being.
Doohan’s ousting has further destabilized an already fragile Alpine outfit. The sudden resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes capped a period of tumult, with former Benetton boss Flavio Briatore—himself entangled in the infamous 2008 “Crashgate” scandal—now assuming control. The presence of such a controversial figure at the helm has only heightened scrutiny of Alpine’s internal dynamics. Briatore, also Doohan’s manager, now faces the dual burden of salvaging a chaotic season while managing his protégé’s abrupt fall from grace.
Jack’s father, five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, attempted to defend his son through social media, though critics noted the statistics he posted inadvertently highlighted Jack’s poor performance relative to teammate Pierre Gasly. In racing, intra-team comparisons carry enormous weight, and Doohan’s consistent finishes behind Gasly likely cemented the decision to replace him—regardless of outside pressures. Despite these challenges, the younger Doohan’s aspirations remain intact.
In his parting statement, Jack Doohan expressed gratitude for achieving his dream of competing in Formula 1 and pledged to continue supporting the team in any capacity. His dignified exit contrasted sharply with the murky events surrounding it. Whether he will return to the grid remains uncertain, but with rising stars like Colapinto and Paul Aron filling the pipeline, the path back will be far from easy. As the sport heads toward the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Doohan’s saga stands as a sobering reminder of the personal toll behind the glamour of F1.