- Aussie rising star, 22, was threatened online
- Reportedly targeted by fans of Franco Colapinto
- Argentinian has replaced Doohan on grid at Alpine
Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan has endured a testing season with Alpine which resulted in his eventual axing this week – and now it can be revealed the 22-year-old feared for his safety at the recent Miami Grand Prix.
So much so, the son of five-time moto GP world champion Mick Doohan hired 24/7 security in the US – and planned to do likewise in the upcoming Grand Prix in Brazil.
The reported reason is fanatical supporters of Franco Colapinto, the Argentinian who has replaced Doohan after just six races.
Leading F1 photographer Kym Illman confirmed why Doohan was understandably rattled.
‘He was receiving all sorts of threats online….so much so that he had round-the-clock security in Miami and was planning on keeping that security for the Brazilian Grand Prix,’ Illman posted on Instagram.
‘Out of all the drivers, it’s really only Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri that have full-time security.
Aussie F1 star Jack Doohan has endured a testing season with Alpine which resulted in his eventual axing this week (pictured, with girlfriend Ebony Zippora Gold)
It can now be revealed the 22-year-old feared for his safety at the recent Miami Grand Prix – so much so, he hired 24/7 security in the US
‘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.
‘I’m certain Franco wouldn’t be endorsing any of that behaviour from what is a minority of his fanbase.’
Doohan dates fellow Australian Ebony Zippora Gold, with the couple known for keeping their relationship private.
It comes as Alpine’s decision to drop Doohan and install Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly frustrated Mick Doohan.
He posted an Instagram story where a graphic compared his boy’s results to Frenchman Gasly.
Doohan was looking to emphasise how poorly the Alpine car has been this season – but the statistics actually showed Gasly had chalked up superior results.
Following his axing, Doohan released a statement declaring he was disappointed, but aims to ‘keep chasing personal goals.’
Aussie motorcycle legend Mick Doohan leapt to the defence of his son Jack following his sacking from F1 team Alpine this week (they are pictured, together)
The five-time moto GP world champion posted an Instagram story where a graphic (pictured) compared his boy’s results to Frenchman Pierre Gasly
Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto (pictured) will take Doohan’s seat at Alpine for the next five F1 races
‘I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula One driver and I will forever be grateful to the team for helping me achieve this dream,’ he said.
‘Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing.
‘We have long-term goals as a team to achieve and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those.
‘For now, I will keep my head down, keep working hard, watch with interest the next five races and keep chasing my own personal goals.’
The F1 season continues at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy on May 18 at 11pm AEST.
