Alpine Confirms Shock Departure of Team Principal Oliver Oakes as Flavio Briatore Takes Over…Read more
Alpine Confirms Shock Departure of Team Principal Oliver Oakes as Flavio Briatore Takes Over…Read more
In a dramatic development that has taken the Formula 1 community by surprise, Alpine has announced the sudden departure of Team Principal Oliver Oakes. The team wasted no time in revealing his replacement—former F1 executive Flavio Briatore, marking a stunning return to frontline team leadership for the controversial figure.
Oakes, who only took over as team principal last season, was seen as a key figure in Alpine’s restructuring efforts and long-term vision. While the team did not disclose the specific reasons behind his abrupt exit, internal sources suggest that differences in strategic direction and performance expectations may have played a role.
Alpine issued a brief but impactful statement: “We thank Oliver Oakes for his service and dedication to the team during a pivotal period. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Effective immediately, Flavio Briatore will step in as Team Principal, bringing decades of Formula 1 leadership experience.”
Briatore, a familiar and polarizing name in the sport, previously led Benetton and Renault to championship success in the 1990s and 2000s, working with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. His return, however, comes with a fair share of baggage, as he was previously banned from the sport in 2009 due to the infamous “Crashgate” scandal—though the ban was later overturned.
In his first statement since taking over, Briatore said, “I’m honored to return to a team I’ve had great history with. Alpine has potential, and I’m here to ensure we unlock it.”
This leadership shake-up adds another layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable F1 season. With Flavio Briatore back at the helm, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how this bold move will reshape Alpine’s fortunes on the grid.
