Turmoil Continues at Alpine as Team Principal Oakes Quits

Alpine F1 team faces uncertainty as team principal Oliver Oakes resigns and Flavio Briatore returns, amid driver changes and a switch to Mercedes power units in 2025.

Alpine has experienced a dramatic 24 hours, marked by significant changes that have upended the team. In a short span, the team went from having the youngest principal to the oldest, while Pierre Gasly found himself with a third different teammate in just nine races.

The rapid changes have led to whispers of turmoil and chaos surrounding the Renault-owned team. As Alpine's glory days fade into memory, success seems increasingly distant, with only glimmers of hope for the future.

Alpine's recent 24 hours have been nothing short of whirlwind, marked by significant changes that have rapidly altered the team's landscape. In a span of just one day, the team saw a shift from having the youngest principal in the Formula One paddock to the oldest. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly has been handed his third different teammate in just nine races, underscoring the instability.

The rapid pace of change has inevitably led to associations of turmoil and chaos with the Renault-owned team. While these labels might be seen as unfair by some, they reflect the stark contrast between Alpine's current state and its glory days, which now seem like a distant memory. Success for the team appears to be a distant prospect, with only faint glimmers of hope on the horizon.

Oliver Oakes joined Alpine last August as team principal, bringing racing experience and a fresh perspective. However, in a surprise move, the 36-year-old Briton resigned after just eight months, citing personal reasons.

With Oakes' departure, 75-year-old Flavio Briatore has stepped back in, resuming a more direct role in the team. Briatore, infamous for his involvement in the 2009 “Crashgate” scandal that led to his ban from F1, now takes the reins once again.

Pierre Gasly has had a tumultuous season, working with multiple team principals. Since joining Alpine in 2023, Gasly has now worked under four different bosses at the Enstone factory, but he's hoping the turbulence will settle soon. Despite the changes, Gasly has scored all of Alpine's seven points this season.

Gasly has spoken out in support of Flavio Briatore, who has taken a more direct role in the team. “He's come with a lot of experience, a lot of network, someone that makes changes, and sometimes you've got to be pushed and challenged, and that's what he does all the time,” Gasly said. “I think he's brought a lot of good stuff to the team.”

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

Otmar Szafnauer's departure from Alpine in July 2023 marked the beginning of a period of significant change for the team. He was joined by chief technical officer Pat Fry and sporting director Alan Permane, both of whom have since found success elsewhere. Fry is now at Williams, helping the team to a strong fifth place in the standings, while Permane has moved to Racing Bulls.

Bruno Famin took over from Szafnauer but lasted only a year, paving the way for Oliver Oakes. The changes come as Alpine faces an uncertain future, highlighted by Renault's announcement last September that it would end engine production after nearly 50 years in F1.

Alpine's switch to Mercedes power units in 2025 marks the end of their factory team status, sparking speculation about the team's future. Some have interpreted this move as a precursor to a potential sale, despite management's denials.

The team has seen significant driver changes, with Esteban Ocon leaving for Haas mid-last season and Jack Doohan replacing him. However, Doohan's stint was short-lived, as he's been replaced by Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season. Colapinto has been given a five-race window to prove himself, after which his future with the team will be reassessed.

The groundwork for Jack Doohan's eventual replacement was laid in January when Alpine signed Franco Colapinto as reserve driver, fueling speculation that Doohan's time with the team was limited.

Meanwhile, Australian driver Oscar Piastri has thrived elsewhere. Initially announced as Alpine's signing for 2023, Piastri ultimately joined McLaren, where he's now a multiple winner and championship leader. His decision was guided by manager Mark Webber, who had previously worked with Flavio Briatore during his own F1 career.

Fernando Alonso's departure to Aston Martin in 2023, after winning two world championships with Flavio Briatore's Renault team in 2005 and 2006, extended his career and left Alpine searching for success. Despite still racing at 43, Alonso's move seemed to secure his own future, but Alpine's fortunes have taken a hit.

Alpine's last win came in 2021, and since returning as a works team in 2016, they've struggled to replicate that success. Their rare bright spot last season was the wet Brazilian Grand Prix, where Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third, helping the team finish sixth overall. However, such highs seem a long way off for now.