In a significant development for the Alpine F1 Team, Oliver Oakes resigns from his role as Team Principal, effective immediately. The announcement comes days before the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, signalling a pivotal moment for the team amid a season marked by underperformance and internal restructuring.
Alpine confirmed the leadership change in a concise statement, expressing gratitude for Oakes’ contributions during a challenging period. The team also announced that Flavio Briatore, who rejoined Alpine as Executive Advisor in 2024, will temporarily take over the duties previously held by Oakes.
“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 statement read.
“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes.”
Alpine turns to Briatore amid turbulent 2025 campaign
Oakes was appointed team principal in August 2024 with the goal of guiding Alpine into a new era. But after six races in 2025, the Enstone outfit remains near the back of the grid, having failed to break into the points with any consistency.
The situation reached a new inflection point in Miami, where Jack Doohan retired following a first-lap incident. Just days later, Alpine informed Doohan that he would be replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto starting from the Imola. That decision, combined with Oakes’ sudden exit, signals a dramatic mid-season reshuffle as Alpine searches for momentum.
With Oakes resigning from Alpine, Flavio Briatore now assumes greater authority. The 74-year-old Italian, who returned as an executive advisor in 2024, is no stranger to high-pressure F1 environments, having led Benetton and Renault to world titles in the 1990s and 2000s.
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Speaking earlier in the weekend, Briatore hinted at potential changes but stopped short of confirming any personnel moves. “We are assessing everything,” he said. “We must improve the car and performance — we cannot accept where we are.”
The decision to appoint Briatore in a hands-on capacity reflects Alpine’s urgency. The team is also looking to capitalise on Colapinto’s rising commercial appeal and strong reserve performances, particularly in testing and simulator work at Enstone.
Now, with the Imola weekend fast approaching, all eyes are on whether Briatore’s leadership can spark a turnaround. With new personnel, fresh energy, and the pressure of delivering results, the next few races could define Alpine’s 2025 campaign — and its long-term future in Formula 1.
