Oliver Oakes is a celebrated figure in motorsport for his achievements as a racing driver and entrepreneur and is now tipped to take over as Alpine Formula 1 team principal following Bruno Famin‘s resignation from the role. But who is he?
Born in Norwich in 1988, 10 years before Norfolk’s most famous current export to motorsport, Oakes‘ career has already made himself key player in the world of motorsports and he now looks on the verge of cashing that in for the big time.
Oakes‘ passion for racing ignited at a young age. He started karting aged four, quickly demonstrating exceptional talent. By the time he was 12, he’d already secured the title of British Open Champion twice and his karting career culminated in 2005 when he won the World Karting Championship, an achievement that highlighted his skill and potential.
In 2006, Oakes transitioned to car racing, debuting in the Formula BMW UK series with. His inaugural season was marked by a pole position and a victory in his first race in a seamless adaptation to car racing. His talent earned him a place in the Red Bull Junior Team, where he raced alongside future F1 stars.
Oakes‘s journey in car racing included stints in various championships, such as Formula Renault and British F3. Despite facing challenges, including departing Carlin after just two rounds in 2009, he continued his upward trajectory in 2010 with Atech CRS GP in GP3. His perseverance through these challenges demonstrated his resilience and commitment to the sport.
In 2015, Oakes founded Hitech GP, a junior single-seater racing team, in collaboration with David Hayle. The team quickly gained recognition in the motorsport community, competing at the pinnacle of single-seater feeder series in F2 and F3.
More from the Azerbaijan GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport’s latest Azerbaijan GP coverage, including George Russell’s dramatic Baku victory, the full race classification, the fastest lap result, and the Driver of the Day from the 2026 race.
Hitech has made significant strides under Oakes‘ guidance. The team has expanded its presence in various championships, including Formula 4 and GB3, consistently achieving victories and podium finishes. Notable drivers such as George Russell, Liam Lawson, and Dan Ticktum have raced for Hitech, further solidifying the team’s reputation for excellence in driver development.
Hitech GP’s Vision for the Future
Oakes‘s vision for Hitech GP extends beyond current achievements. The team had lodged an entry bid to join the F1 grid by 2026, a move supported by substantial investment from Kazakh billionaire Vladimir Kim but losing out to Andretti despite underscoring Hitech GP’s commitment to progressing through the ranks of motorsport and competing at the highest levels.
Despite its relatively young history, Hitech GP has become a significant player in junior motorsport, with Oakes at the helm driving its success. His dedication to fostering new talent and pushing the boundaries of the sport continues to define his career and the trajectory of Hitech GP.
Outside of racing, Oakes maintains a relatively private life. He resides in Norfolk, UK, and focuses on his roles within Hitech GP. His estimated net worth, ranging between $1 million and $5 million, reflects his success in both his racing career and entrepreneurial ventures.
Oliver Oakes‘s transition from a karting champion to the founder and team principal of Hitech GP highlights his diverse talents and unwavering dedication to motorsport. Under his leadership, Hitech GP has grown into a formidable force in junior single-seater racing, fostering the next generation of driving talent and setting ambitious goals for the future.
As Oakes continues to guide Hitech GP, his influence on the sport remains profound, inspiring young drivers and shaping the future of motorsport.
