Doohan Pleads for End to Online Harassment Targeting Family

Australian racing talent Jack Doohan has publicly requested Formula 1 enthusiasts to cease the online abuse directed toward his family. This plea follows his departure from Alpine, which occurred only six races into the current season, and comes ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Reports indicate that Doohan has been the subject of online vitriol, which he attributes largely to supporters of Franco Colapinto, the driver who succeeded him at Alpine.

On Monday, the 21-year-old took to social media to denounce the harassment and to refute what he described as false narratives being spread about him and his family.

Doohan stated on Instagram, “As you can clearly see, the circulating story is entirely false. It was fabricated by certain fans attempting to portray me and my family negatively. They altered original content to make it seem my father posted it, which is completely untrue. Please stop harassing my family. I didn’t anticipate needing to address this publicly.”

Subsequently, Doohan offered a clarification, stating, “The origin isn’t what was first indicated. However, numerous outlets falsely disseminated the fabricated image, resulting in the online abuse directed at my family.”

Alpine has since issued an official statement, condemning the abuse aimed at Doohan and his family and reaffirming their opposition to any form of online harassment.

This controversy is part of a larger pattern of harmful conduct from some segments of the fanbase.

Red Bull racer Yuki Tsunoda also became a target of online abuse from Colapinto’s supporters after a minor on-track incident with the Argentine during a practice session in Imola.

Speaking to the media, Tsunoda spoke in support of Doohan and criticised the attacks.

Tsunoda said, “I’ve heard about it, and it seems it’s not limited to me. It appears they are targeting various individuals, including Jack. Jack is blameless, and they are still attacking him, which is unnecessary.”