'All sorts of threats' led Jack Doohan to hire private security in days before axing
Jack Doohan was forced to hire 24-hour security over the Miami Grand Prix weekend after he was threatened by crazed Franco Colapinto fans, according to leading Aussie F1 photographer Kym Illman.
Confirmation Doohan had been dropped from the Alpine squad in favour of Colapinto came after months of speculation he was racing on borrowed time.
In Miami, speculation reached a crescendo after one of Colapinto's sponsors was caught in a hot-mic moment that seemed to confirm Doohan would lose his drive for Imola.
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Jack Doohan was forced to hire private security in Miami after receiving threats from fans. Photo: Kym Illman Getty
In a post to his popular Instagram feed where he gives glimpses into life inside the F1 paddock, Illman said Colapinto fans had found personal contact details for Doohan, his dad Mick, and his girlfriend.
"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," Illman said.
"It was plain to see by those close to the Aussie that those threats weighed heavily on him.
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Doohan during the Miami Grand Prix. Getty
"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."
It's not just the drivers who have been threatened by Argentinian fans. Senior figures within the Alpine squad have also reportedly been threatened, as had journalists and other officials.
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Confirmation of Doohan's "rotation" out of the Alpine squad came only hours after news broke team principal Oliver Oakes had resigned with immediate effect, with executive advisor Flavio Briatore taking over his duties.
Although Briatore would later release a statement denying it, it's widely believed Oakes' resignation was as a result of a disagreement between the pair over who should be in the drivers' seat - Doohan or Colapinto.
Alpine said Doohan would remain the team's "first choice" reserve driver from next weekend's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
