Alpine announce immediate F1 team principal EXIT as…..read more
Alpine’s Formula 1 team has officially announced a significant leadership change following the conclusion of the Miami Grand Prix, revealing that team principal Oliver Oakes has stepped down from his position with immediate effect. The sudden departure of Oakes marks a major shift within the team’s management structure, less than a year after he was appointed to the role.
Oakes, who is just 37 years old, made headlines when he took over from Bruno Famin midway through the previous season. His appointment was notable not only for the timing but also for his age, as it made him the second youngest team principal in the history of Formula 1. The only younger team principal in the sport’s history was Red Bull Racing’s Christian Horner, who assumed his leadership role back in 2005.
Despite the high hopes surrounding Oakes’ leadership, his tenure has lasted just 10 months. During this short stint, he oversaw a turbulent period for the team, both in terms of performance and internal structure. Alpine’s official statement did not provide specific details regarding the reasons for Oakes’ departure, simply stating that he has resigned and that the decision takes effect immediately.
In the wake of Oakes’ resignation, Alpine has announced that Flavio Briatore will step in to manage the responsibilities of team principal on an interim basis. Briatore, a controversial yet experienced figure in the F1 world, already serves as an advisor to the team. The decision to expand his role suggests that Alpine is looking to draw on his extensive experience as they navigate through a period of uncertainty and transition.
The changes at the top of the organization are taking place amid ongoing speculation about potential shifts in the driver lineup. Rumors have been intensifying regarding the future of Australian driver Jack Doohan, who is currently part of the team’s setup. There are increasing reports suggesting that Alpine may be considering replacing him with their reserve driver, Franco Colapinto. The 21-year-old Colapinto, who has shown promise in the junior categories, has long been on the radar as a potential future star, and Alpine could be looking to inject fresh talent into their lineup.
So far, the team has not issued a definitive statement regarding Doohan or Colapinto’s future roles, but the ongoing discussions indicate that Alpine may be planning a broader shake-up beyond just its managerial ranks. These developments underscore the growing pressure on the team to improve its performance and stability, especially following a series of disappointing results.
Alpine’s current situation suggests that they are undergoing a deep internal review aimed at revitalizing their competitive edge. The swift exit of a team principal, coupled with potential changes in the driver lineup, points to a desire to reorient the team’s direction before the season progresses further. With Briatore now taking on a greater leadership role and the driver situation still unresolved, Alpine finds itself at a critical juncture.
The upcoming races will likely provide more clarity on the team’s long-term strategy, as they seek to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the F1 paddock. For now, however, the sudden leadership change signals a team in flux, determined to make bold moves in pursuit of progress.
