Alpine F1 in Turmoil: Alpine F1 Team Confirms Sudden Departure of Team Principal Oliver Oakes in Off…read more

 Alpine F1 Team Confirms Sudden Departure of Team Principal Oliver Oakes in Official Statement

Alpine F1 has been rocked by the sudden and unexpected resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, just 10 months into his leadership role. The announcement, made in an official statement from the team shortly after the Miami Grand Prix, has triggered widespread speculation about internal instability and major changes underway at the Enstone-based outfit.

Oakes, 37, was appointed mid-2024 to succeed Bruno Famin in a move that was initially seen as a bold bet on youth and modern leadership. He quickly made headlines for becoming the second-youngest team principal in Formula 1 history, only surpassed by Red Bull’s Christian Horner. A former racer himself, Oakes brought with him a vision for long-term competitiveness and internal cohesion. However, his brief tenure appears to have fallen short of expectations, with the team currently struggling to climb out of midfield obscurity.

In its official release, Alpine confirmed:
“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. Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes.”
The team also expressed gratitude for Oakes’ efforts, crediting him with helping secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.

The departure comes amid a backdrop of tension and change within the Alpine camp. Sources close to the team suggest that strategic disagreements between Oakes and senior management may have played a role in his exit. Others point to mounting pressure from performance expectations and growing influence from returning advisor Flavio Briatore, who has now taken over Oakes’ responsibilities.

Briatore’s Return: A Controversial Power Shift
Flavio Briatore, a towering figure in Formula 1 history, now finds himself once again at the heart of team operations. The 75-year-old Italian, best known for guiding Michael Schumacher to world titles with Benetton and later Fernando Alonso with Renault, brings decades of experience—but also a legacy stained by controversy. His involvement in the 2008 “Crashgate” scandal led to a lifetime ban from the sport, later overturned in 2010 after a successful legal appeal.

Despite the scandal, Briatore’s return to Alpine in 2024 as an executive advisor was welcomed cautiously, with the team hoping to tap into his deep strategic acumen. Now, with full operational control back in his hands, speculation is rife about the direction Alpine may take under his watch.

Driver Lineup Under Review: Colapinto Rising, Doohan in Doubt
The leadership upheaval coincides with rumors of an impending shake-up in Alpine’s driver lineup. Jack Doohan, the promising Australian talent who entered the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, may be on the chopping block. Reserve driver Franco Colapinto has reportedly impressed Briatore and other senior figures with his performance in test sessions and simulator work, leading to whispers that he could be promoted before the season’s end.

Briatore has been open in his admiration for Colapinto, stating:
“I am interested in any driver who is fast. Colapinto surprised everyone. The only thing that is certain is death. We will start the year with Pierre and Jack, I guarantee it. Then, we will see during the season.”

Those comments now seem prophetic. With Oakes out of the picture, Briatore has the authority to make bold moves—not just on the pit wall, but on the grid as well. While no official announcements have been made regarding Doohan’s status, insiders suggest a midseason switch remains firmly on the table.

What’s Next for Alpine?
Alpine’s current season has been marked by inconsistency and lackluster results, far from the lofty ambitions once set when Renault rebranded the team in 2021. The latest internal changes suggest the organization is entering a new, possibly volatile era—driven by the unfiltered leadership of Briatore and a hunger to return to the sport’s elite ranks.

Fans and pundits alike will now be watching closely to see how the team adapts to the sudden change at the top, and whether driver decisions will add further instability or spark a competitive resurgence. One thing is clear: Alpine’s 2025 campaign is shaping up to be one of its most unpredictable yet.