Jack Doohan Required Armed Security at Miami GP After Online Death Threats

Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan revealed he needed to be escorted by armed guards at the Miami Grand Prix after receiving specific and violent online death threats. The threats, which included messages stating his "limbs will be cut off," were a direct reaction to him driving in practice sessions instead of fellow Alpine junior Franco Colapinto, highlighting a dangerous escalation in online abuse targeting F1 drivers.

Why it matters:

Online abuse in Formula 1 has moved beyond harsh criticism to include direct, credible threats against drivers' physical safety and their families. This incident underscores a toxic element within fan culture that forces competitors to seek extreme protective measures and reconsider their engagement with the public, potentially damaging the sport's community spirit and the mental well-being of its participants.

The details:

• Doohan received "six or seven" direct threats via email before the Miami GP, with users stating they would kill him and cut off his limbs if he was still in the Alpine car.
• The situation escalated to the point where Formula 1 and local authorities provided him with a three-man armed police escort upon his arrival at the circuit with his girlfriend and trainer.
• F1 issued a strong statement condemning the abuse, affirming the sport is "united against anyone that attempts to undermine our values" and works with authorities to report such behavior.
• This is not an isolated case. Drivers like Lando Norris have stepped back from social media for their mental health, while Liam Lawson has deleted his accounts entirely, calling the online environment "toxic."
• The abuse extended to Doohan's family, with fans fabricating posts attributed to his father to mock Colapinto after a crash, prompting Doohan to publicly plead for the harassment to stop.

What's next:

The FIA, through president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has publicly backed drivers and promoted its United Against Online Abuse campaign, aiming to raise awareness and create a safer environment. While Doohan has since parted ways with Alpine, securing a reserve driver role at Haas for 2026, the broader issue persists. The sport's governing bodies and teams face the ongoing challenge of protecting drivers from a minority of fans whose passion crosses into dangerous harassment, ensuring the paddock remains a safe space for competition.