Is Chaos Unfolding at Alpine Following Oliver Oakes' Departure?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Alpine Formula 1 team is experiencing significant disruptions following the resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes, just ten months into his role. With high-profile management changes and driver swaps, the future of the team seems uncertain. What does this mean for Alpine and its aspirations in the upcoming races?
Key Takeaways
- Oliver Oakes has resigned as Alpine's Team Principal.
- Flavio Briatore returns as Executive Advisor, taking on Oakes' responsibilities.
- Instability at the top of Alpine reflects broader issues within the organization.
- Key departures in management indicate a tumultuous period for the team.
- The future of Alpine's performance in F1 remains uncertain.
Beijing, May 7 (NationPress) The Alpine Formula 1 team is currently in turmoil as Oliver Oakes has stepped down from his position as Team Principal, just ten months into his tenure.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal,” stated the team in an official announcement.
“Effective immediately, Flavio Briatore will continue in his role as Executive Advisor and will assume the responsibilities that were previously held by Oliver Oakes.”
This resignation follows reports that Jack Doohan is set to be replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto starting from the next Grand Prix.
Briatore, 75, has a long history with the Enstone-based outfit, having served as Team Principal during both the Benetton and Renault periods. Under his guidance, the team secured three Constructors’ and four Drivers’ Championships.
However, his reign ended controversially after the 2008 Crashgate scandal, where driver Nelson Piquet was directed to crash intentionally during the Singapore Grand Prix to benefit teammate Fernando Alonso.
The aftermath resulted in Briatore's departure from Renault and a ban from FIA-sanctioned events, which was later annulled by a French court.
Briatore made a surprising comeback to the F1 paddock in July 2024 and is believed to possess significant influence at Alpine, despite his title suggesting otherwise, as Oakes appeared to have minimal impact behind the scenes.
Oakes' exit marks yet another in a series of high-profile departures at Alpine, highlighting ongoing instability within the organization’s upper echelons.
Otmar Szafnauer took over as Team Principal in early 2022 but exited in July 2023 amid a broad leadership overhaul that also included the departure of Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry and Sporting Director Alan Permane.
Bruno Famin briefly filled Szafnauer’s role but stepped down in August 2024, paving the way for Oakes.
The turmoil at Alpine has also affected the technical side; Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer both resigned in early 2024, while Rob White, a veteran with over twenty years at Renault and Alpine, left as Operations Director in May 2024.
Point of View
It is essential to provide a balanced perspective on the ongoing developments at Alpine. The recent resignation of Oliver Oakes and the associated shifts in management highlight a troubling trend of instability that could impact the team's performance in the competitive realm of Formula 1. Stakeholders and fans alike will be watching closely as the team navigates these transitions.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Oliver Oakes resign as Team Principal?
Oliver Oakes resigned from his position at Alpine reportedly due to internal team dynamics and management changes.
Who is replacing Oliver Oakes?
Flavio Briatore will assume the responsibilities previously held by Oliver Oakes while continuing as Executive Advisor.
What impact does this have on the team?
The resignation indicates ongoing instability within Alpine's management, which could affect their performance in upcoming races.
What is the history of Flavio Briatore with Alpine?
Briatore has a long history with the team, having led them to multiple championships before his previous exit amid scandal.
What other changes have occurred at Alpine recently?
There have been several high-profile departures in the leadership team, indicating a significant shift in the organization's structure.
