F1 NEWS: Oliver Oakes Resigns as Alpine F1 Team Principal in Surprise M…read more
Flavio Briatore to assume duties ahead of Imola as team faces possible driver change
In a stunning development following the Miami Grand Prix, Oliver Oakes has stepped down as Team Principal of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. The announcement, made on Tuesday evening, marks the end of a brief tenure for Oakes, who took over from Bruno Famin less than a year ago.
Oakes, formerly of Hitech GP, had been credited with helping Alpine turn their form around late in the 2024 season, guiding them to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. His sudden departure comes as a surprise to many within the paddock.
The team’s statement confirmed Oakes’ resignation was accepted with immediate effect and that Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will take over his responsibilities for the time being.
“The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship,” Alpine said. “The team will not be making any further comment.”
Oakes’ exit comes amid growing speculation of an impending driver change at Alpine ahead of the next round in Imola. Jack Doohan is reportedly set to be replaced by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, who has been part of the Alpine driver pool since the start of 2025 and is believed to have strong backing from Briatore.
Oakes had publicly defended Doohan in recent weeks, which has sparked speculation that internal disagreements—possibly over the timing of a driver swap—may have contributed to his decision to leave. However, the exact reasons for his resignation remain unconfirmed.
Briatore, a controversial figure in F1 history and a long-time presence at Alpine and its previous iterations, will now lead the team into the Imola Grand Prix next weekend.
