As speculation swirls about a driver swap after the Miami Grand Prix did nothing to help Jack Doohan keep his seat at Alpine, another shock announcement came today.
Alpine has announced the sudden resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes, just six races into the current Formula 1 season. The 37-year-old, who took over the role in July of last year, will be succeeded immediately by executive advisor Flavio Briatore. The shocking move comes amid ongoing speculation surrounding the team’s internal dynamics, including the potential replacement of driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto.
Speculation is that Oakes was standing behind his decision to keep Jack Doohan in his seat as he clearly stated on multiple occassions during the Miami Grand Prix, while others want reserve driver Franco Colopinto to replace Doohan immediately.
Oakes’ departure marks another shift in leadership for Alpine, a team that has seen frequent changes at the top over the past two years. The Briton, a former racing driver who also manages the Hitech Grand Prix squad, became the sport’s second-youngest Team Principal upon his appointment, taking the reins at age 36. During his brief tenure, he oversaw a strong finish to the 2024 season, capped by a double podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which helped secure the team sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Despite these successes, Alpine has struggled in 2025, currently sitting ninth in the Constructors’ standings with just seven points after the Miami Grand Prix. The team is only one point ahead of Kick Sauber, and driver Jack Doohan remains scoreless following a crash on Lap 1 in Miami. Persistent questions about Doohan’s future, and the ongoing rumors of a mid-season lineup change involving Colapinto, have added pressure to the team’s leadership.
Throughout preseason and the early stages of the campaign, Oakes faced repeated inquiries into the Colapinto speculation, which has reportedly been a source of tension within the organization. While no direct link has been confirmed between this situation and Oakes’ resignation, the timing has raised eyebrows across the paddock.
A statement from the team read, “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. 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. The team will not be making any further comment.”
Stepping into the role is Flavio Briatore, a familiar figure in the Alpine garage. Briatore previously led the team during its Renault days, guiding it to back-to-back World Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2005 and 2006. His return as an executive advisor last year followed a lengthy absence from the sport, and he now assumes direct control of the operation in a challenging season.
Oakes’ resignation adds to Alpine’s revolving door of team leaders, joining the likes of Otmar Szafnauer and Bruno Famin, both of whom departed within the last two years. His rapid exit underscores the difficulties facing the team in maintaining stability, as both management and on-track performance continue to be scrutinized.
The focus now shifts to who Alpine might appoint as their next permanent Team Principal, as well as how Briatore will steer the team through a turbulent season.