Jack Doohan reportedly hired security in the USA after fearing for his safety at the Miami Grand Prix. The Australian is said to have lost sleep ahead of the race after being sent email threats.

Doohan went on to lose his Alpine seat after the race and has been replaced by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto.

Leading F1 photographer Kym Illman confirmed the story on Instagram as he wrote: “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.

“Out of all the drivers, it's really only Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri that have full-time security. 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.”