Alpine F1 Team Principal Oliver Oakes Resigns After Just 10 Months, Briatore Steps In
In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, the Alpine F1 Team has confirmed the immediate departure of team principal Oliver Oakes. The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the Miami Grand Prix, marking a swift and unexpected end to Oakes’ brief tenure with the team.
At just 37 years old, Oakes was one of the youngest team principals in F1 history when he took on the role in mid-2024, replacing Bruno Famin. Only Christian Horner, who joined Red Bull Racing as team principal in 2005, was younger when appointed. Oakes’ arrival was initially seen as a bold and forward-thinking decision by the Enstone-based outfit, but less than a year later, his time at the helm has come to an abrupt end.
An official statement released by Alpine confirmed Oakes’ resignation and stated that it takes effect immediately. The team thanked him for his leadership and acknowledged his contribution to Alpine’s sixth-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. However, the statement offered no further explanation for his sudden exit.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal,” the statement read. “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 would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer.”
With Oakes’ departure, Alpine has placed executive advisor Flavio Briatore in charge of team principal duties for the time being. Briatore, a veteran figure in the sport known for his controversial past and management success with Benetton and Renault, will now have an even greater influence over the team’s operations and direction moving forward.
The timing of Oakes’ resignation comes amid growing speculation about broader changes within the Alpine camp. Recent reports suggest that the team is considering replacing current driver Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto, although no official decision has been announced. The potential shift in the driver lineup only adds to the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the team.
Alpine’s internal instability comes at a critical moment as the team continues to struggle with consistency and competitiveness. Since rebranding from Renault in 2021, Alpine has aimed to become a regular podium contender. However, despite moments of promise, they have yet to close the gap to the sport’s top teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Oakes’ departure after less than a year raises questions about Alpine’s leadership structure and strategic direction. While the exact reasons for his resignation remain unclear, the decision signals that the team is undergoing a major period of transition.
As the season progresses, attention will now turn to Briatore’s expanded role and whether more changes, including a new permanent team principal or driver announcement, will follow soon. Alpine will be hoping to steady the ship and refocus on performance as the F1 calendar moves forward.
