Dec.15 (GMM) Jack Doohan has become the latest Formula 1-linked driver to blank his social media profiles, following a wave of online abuse after a difficult Super Formula test at Suzuka.
The move mirrors recent action taken by Kimi Antonelli and comes amid heightened scrutiny of online harassment in the sport, after the FIA reinforced its anti-abuse campaign following the Antonelli saga.
Doohan was targeted after suffering three near-identical crashes at Degner corner across three consecutive days of Super Formula testing. British tabloid The Sun described the backlash as coming from “vile trolls”.
Although no longer part of Alpine’s race lineup, a spokesperson for the F1 team said: “We are aware of the abuse Jack has been receiving online on social media.
“We absolutely do not condone any form of abuse, and we are fully supportive of the stance Jack – and others have taken in the sport in recent weeks – to highlight the unacceptable behaviour and comments directed at them.”
Doohan is widely believed to be positioning himself for a return to Formula 1 via Toyota-backed Haas, with his 2026 Super Formula deal understood to be effectively agreed.
Despite the incidents, Kondo Racing boss Nobuaki Adachi strongly defended the Australian. “Both Luke Browning and Jack performed very well,” he said.
“It just so happened that Jack had a series of accidents, but he’s a driver with a lot of potential. Suzuka at this time of year is very difficult, and I think he’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments to ensure it doesn’t happen again next time.”
The Japanese outfit has also pointed to technical factors. “Given our results in recent seasons, we’ve concluded that our cars have some issues,” Adachi said. “The feedback from Luke and Jack allowed us to identify some areas for improvement.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff meanwhile condemned those responsible for online abuse, following similar attacks aimed at Antonelli.
“They’re simply sick,” he said. “I feel sorry for them.
“You’re sitting there with your laptop on your chest – and God knows what you were doing before you wrote that little comment. I have absolutely no respect for that.”