Oliver Oakes Resigns as Alpine F1 Team Principal Amid… Read more
In a surprising development, the Alpine Formula One team has announced that team principal Oliver Oakes has stepped down from his role with immediate effect. This announcement comes just days before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola and amid growing speculation surrounding the future of reserve driver Jack Doohan.
Oakes, who took over the reins of the team in August 2024 following Otmar Szafnauer’s departure, became the second youngest team principal in Formula 1 history. Despite his short tenure, he played a key role in leading Alpine to sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. His leadership also oversaw a remarkable double podium finish for drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the Brazilian Grand Prix last year.
Before his stint with Alpine, Oakes had already made a name for himself in motorsport. A former karting world champion in 2005, he later founded Hitech Grand Prix in 2015. Under his leadership, the British-based team rose to prominence in junior formulae like Formula 2 and Formula 3, developing future racing talent.
In the official statement, Alpine thanked Oakes for his contribution and confirmed that executive advisor Flavio Briatore would now assume his responsibilities. “BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as team principal. The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect. As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as executive advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes,” the team stated. They also clarified that no further comments would be made at this time.
Briatore’s return to a hands-on leadership role is likely to stir discussion. A prominent figure in Formula 1 since the early 1990s, Briatore enjoyed championship success with Benetton and Renault, managing legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. However, his career was marred by controversy in the aftermath of the infamous “Crashgate” scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. He was initially handed a lifetime ban from the sport due to his involvement in the incident, which saw his driver Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crash to benefit teammate Alonso. That ban was later overturned by a French court.
Briatore rejoined the sport in May 2024 as Alpine’s executive advisor, marking his official comeback to the paddock after years away.
The leadership shake-up at Alpine has triggered renewed attention to internal team dynamics, especially regarding Jack Doohan’s role and future. With Imola around the corner, all eyes will be on Alpine’s next moves both on and off the track.
