Alpine‘s period of instability has taken another turn with the resignation of Oliver Oakes as team principal.
The Briton had only taken over last season as a replacement for former boss Bruno Famin, who in turn was only in control for half a season in a full-time capacity after initially being confirmed only as an interim.
With the driver line-up set to change ahead of the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as well, what is going on at the French manufacturer?
Despite returning to the Formula 1 grid in 2016 as one of only three out-and-out manufacturers alongside Ferrari and Mercedes, the might of Renault and now its Alpine sporting division has mustered just one victory, courtesy of former driver Esteban Ocon in 2021.
The team has severely underperformed considering its ability to marry chassis and engine together – something only OEMs can do with their works outfits. With that has come mass instability.
Since 2016, six team principals have been in full-time control but the startling fact is that five of those have been since 2020. Cyril Abiteboul stood aside for Marcin Budkowski, who became part of a three-pronged management team that was ultimately disbanded.
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Otmar Szafnauer came in but was unceremoniously dumped at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix, while Famin lasted only until halfway through 2024 before Oakes was introduced. In the midst of all that, former CEO Laurent Rossi – who himself was cast aside in double-quick time from that role – took the TP role on an interim basis.
Quite why Oakes has resigned is unknown as yet, given the lack of information given in the team’s statement confirming the news: “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.
“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes. 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.”
Was Briatore involved in Oakes resignation?
What is known is that Flavio Briatore – the former team boss of the Renault/Benetton outfit that had a lifetime ban overturned following his part in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix crashgate scandal – has been in an executive advisory role and how much the flamboyant Italian’s influence has had over decision making, and how that has intruded on Oakes’ position, could be a critical factor in the resignation.
Oakes has been leaping to Jack Doohan‘s defence all season with the Australian under pressure for his seat even before his rookie campaign began.
Now Franco Colapinto will replace Doohan at Imola after just a quarter of the calendar has been completed, with a further four races for the Argentine to prove himself as part of an evaluation period. The timing of Oakes‘ departure suggests that the two are linked.
It’s a critical time for any F1 team as the new regulations creep up for next season and development intensifies to ensure they can get off to the best start possible in 2026. For Alpine, it faces yet another shift in management during this time, less than a year after the last shuffle.
With disgruntlement in the ranks already over the move to ditch its own-made power units and become a Mercedes customer, it will be interesting to view the internal reaction in the coming months as Briatore clinches more control – for the time being at least.
