Jack Doohan was reportedly forced to employ ‘round-the-clock’ security at the Miami Grand Prix after fans of Franco Colapinto discovered his personal email address and sent threats to the under-fire Alpine driver. Colapinto was announced on Wednesday as Alpine’s driver for the upcoming five races with Doohan sidelined after failing to score points in his first seven Grand Prix appearances.
This was a brutal end to the Australian’s time on the F1 grid, although he remains with Team Enstone in a ‘first-choice reserve driver’ capacity. The pressure was already on for the 22-year-old in Miami after pre-season reports suggested that he had just six races to impress in 2025. After ranting at his team over an unfortunate sprint qualifying exit, he crashed with Liam Lawson on the opening lap of the Grand Prix.
According to F1 photographer Kym Illman, Doohan was also fighting a battle on a personal level in Miami. “He was receiving all sorts of threats online, so much so that he had around-the-clock security in Miami and was planning on keeping that security for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
“Now, of all of the drivers, it’s really only Lewis [Hamilton], Charles [Leclerc], Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri] that have full-time security. But it was plain to see by those close to the Aussie that those threats weighed heavily on him.
“People had discovered his personal email address and were sending email threats, which resulted in Jack, his girlfriend and even his father holding real concerns for their safety in Miami. And on top of that, Jack’s sleep was affected. And I’m certain Franco wouldn’t be endorsing any of that behaviour from what is a minority of his fanbase.”
While Doohan must now rebuild his F1 career, Colapinto has a second chance to prove himself as a talent worthy of a long-term contract on the grid. He impressed in his stand-in spell for Williams in 2024, but couldn’t earn a full-time deal.
“Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races,” Colapinto said on Wednesday. “I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone.
“I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team’s race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre [Gasly].”