Former Alpine F1 Boss’s Brother Faces Criminal Trial Over Alleged Possession of Criminal P… read more
In a stunning development with potential reverberations through the world of Formula 1, William Oakes—the brother of former Alpine F1 team principal Oliver Oakes—is set to stand trial in April 2027 after being charged with possessing substantial quantities of criminal property. The property in question, reportedly large sums of unexplained cash, was seized by authorities during an operation in Northamptonshire. The charges were formally filed after a series of investigations led by the Metropolitan Police, focusing on suspicious financial activities believed to be tied to organized criminal operations.
The case has generated significant public interest, particularly within the motorsport community, given Oliver Oakes’s high-profile position within Formula 1. Oliver, a former racing driver and co-founder of the successful Hitech Grand Prix outfit, had only recently taken the reins at Alpine when the news of his brother’s legal troubles surfaced. His resignation from the Alpine team on May 6, shortly after the Miami Grand Prix, came as a surprise to many in the paddock. While he cited “personal reasons” in his official departure statement, the timing coinciding with his brother’s arrest in Silverstone Park suggested deeper complications.
According to police sources, William Oakes was apprehended during a targeted operation that had been underway for several months. Officers reportedly discovered large sums of cash at a property linked to Oakes, and financial records are now under forensic scrutiny. Authorities suspect the money could be connected to broader illicit financial activity, though specific charges have not yet been detailed publicly. Oakes has been remanded in custody since his arrest, and bail was denied due to what the prosecution described as a “high flight risk and serious concerns regarding the origin of the funds.”
Legal analysts following the case say the upcoming 2027 trial will hinge on proving that the funds found in William Oakes’s possession were indeed proceeds of criminal conduct, and not acquired through legitimate means. Prosecutors are expected to present financial tracing evidence, electronic communications, and witness testimonies to establish the alleged criminal network. The defense, however, is anticipated to challenge the validity of the evidence and the methods through which the investigation was conducted.
Meanwhile, Alpine F1 and its parent company Renault have been quick to distance themselves from the scandal. In a statement released following Oliver Oakes’s resignation, Alpine emphasized that the matter is strictly personal and not related to the operations or reputation of the Formula 1 team. “Oliver Oakes’s departure was voluntary and in no way reflects upon the values or integrity of the Alpine team,” the statement read. The team has since appointed a temporary leadership structure as they search for a permanent replacement.
Oliver Oakes himself has maintained a low profile since stepping down, issuing only a brief comment expressing his support for his family during “an incredibly difficult time.” He has not been implicated in any wrongdoing, and no investigation has been directed toward him in relation to the charges his brother faces.
The incident has sparked broader discussions in Formula 1 about the personal lives of top executives and how off-track controversies can ripple into the highly scrutinized world of elite motorsport. For now, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings in the coming months, as William Oakes prepares to face the courts in a trial that could have wide-ranging implications depending on the outcome. As the Alpine team looks to move forward, the saga remains a stark reminder of how the world of F1, often dominated by engineering brilliance and racing spectacle, is not immune to scandal.
