Oakes resigns as Alpine F1 boss Briatore takes over

LONDON – Alpine’s team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned after less than a year in the job, the French Formula One team announced on May 6.

“The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect,” Alpine said in a statement.

The 37-year-old Briton’s surprise exit comes only nine months after his appointment as successor to Frenchman Bruno Famin.

“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as executive adviser and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes,” the team statement added.

Oakes leaves his role with Alpine ninth of the 10 teams in the constructors’ world championship after six races.

“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.

French driver Pierre Gasly has picked up all of the team’s seven points, with Australian Jack Doohan yet to score in his rookie season, costing him his spot.

Doohan’s seat has been at risk from Franco Colapinto ever since Alpine signed the Argentinian from Williams over the winter.

Doohan had replaced Esteban Ocon (now with Haas),who claimed Alpine’s sole win in Hungary in 2021.

On May 7, Alpine confirmed that Colapinto would replace Doohan for the next five races, starting at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix next week.

“The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period, we will assess our options,” said Briatore.

Speaking ahead of the news, championship leader Oscar Piastri has expressed his sympathy for fellow Australian Doohan.

“Coming to F1, especially as a rookie under pressure, I do feel sorry for him in some ways,” McLaren driver Piastri told ABC television from