Alpine Shakeup: Oliver Oakes Steps Down as Team Principal

Alpine F1 team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned, with Flavio Briatore taking over his responsibilities. The team is navigating a challenging period, with changes ahead including switching to Mercedes engines in 2025.

French driver Pierre Gasly has scored all seven points for the Enstone-based Alpine team so far. Meanwhile, Australian rookie Jack Doohan has yet to score in his debut season. Doohan's position has been under threat from Franco Colapinto since Alpine signed the Argentine driver from Williams in the offseason.

BREAKING: Oliver Oakes has resigned from his position as Team Principal at Alpine with immediate effect

Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor, will continue in this role and also cover duties previously performed by Oakes at the team#F1 pic.twitter.com/vB7AjclfV3

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2025

Doohan took over from Esteban Ocon, who secured Alpine's only win in Hungary in 2021. According to reports, Colapinto is set to replace Doohan for the upcoming Emilia-Romagna race next week, putting Doohan's seat in further jeopardy.

Oliver Oakes has stepped down as team principal of Alpine, the French Formula 1 team announced. “The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect,” Alpine confirmed in a statement. Oakes' unexpected departure comes just nine months after he took over from Bruno Famin, leaving the team ninth out of 10 in the constructors' world championship after six races.

Flavio Briatore will take over Oakes' responsibilities, in addition to his role as executive advisor. “As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as executive advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes,” the team stated, marking a significant shift in Alpine's leadership.

Alpine have announced team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned with immediate effect, amid speculation they are considering dropping driver Jack Doohan ahead of the next F1 race in Imola 🚨 pic.twitter.com/DltoIHYJo5

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 6, 2025

“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,” Alpine said.

Turbulent Times for Alpine

Oliver Oakes' unexpected departure is the latest chapter in a rocky time for the former Renault team. Oakes had previously expressed his desire for Alpine to overcome their challenges and be at the forefront of the midfield this season. “I think we ultimately have to produce a better car,” he conceded, acknowledging the team's struggles.

Oakes had also noted the complexity of Alpine's problems, stating, “I think there are no silver bullets,” highlighting the need for a comprehensive solution to the team's issues.

Starting next season, Renault will cease producing F1 engines, and Alpine will become a customer team for the first time since 2015, using engines supplied by Mercedes. This significant change comes as the team navigates a period of turbulence.

Oliver Oakes, the 2005 world karting champion, took over as team principal in 2024, shortly after Flavio Briatore's appointment as executive advisor. Alpine's diverse group of investors, including golf star Rory McIlroy, boxer Anthony Joshua, and actor Ryan Reynolds, will be hoping the team can overcome its struggles and achieve a brighter future, as envisioned by Oakes.