Alpine's new team principal, Flavio Briatore rejects the ongoing rumors about his involvement in Oliver Oakes' resignation.
The past day was a turbulent one for Alpine. The Enstone based outfit was a witness to organizational and driver changes within 12 hours. They first lost their new team principal, Oliver Oakes. Later, they were in highlights by announcing a driver swap for five races. They will sub out Jack Doohan in favor of Franco Colapinto, their reserve driver.
However, Colapinto’s fate is not yet clear in the team. At first, he will be given five races in his current role. It is not yet clear if Alpine still wants to race with Jack Doohan or are they covering up to somehow make way for a new driver. Nevertheless, with Colapinto comes sponsorships and a lot of fandom. His move to Alpine has brought criticism on the team.
Also Read: F1 Breaking News – Franco Colapinto to Replace Jack Doohan for Five Races at Alpine!
Flavio Briatore took up the mantle of becoming the team principal at Alpine after Oliver Oakes’ resignation. His transition was not as smooth as expected. Oakes’ resignation did not have a specific reason. Although, rumor spread around in the paddock that Briatore’s decisions were not in agreement with Oakes’. There constant clashes led to a resignation from Oliver Oakes.
This is yet another bizarre incident in the management team of Alpine’s F1 team. Last year, they faced major changes in their organization due to resignations coming in right and left. CEO Laurent Rossi, Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane were the first to leave the team. Chief Techical Officer Pat Fry, Technical Director Matt Harman, Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer and Director of Racing Expansion Projects Davide Brivio followed them with their own resignations.
Flavio Briatore was quick to his defense and did not shy away from releasing a strong clarification of the situation. On his end, Briatore has explained how he is completely uninvolved in the former team principal’s decision to leave Alpine.
“A lot has been said in the past 24 hours incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views,” said Briatore. “This is completely false and far from the truth. Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.”
Alpine went as far to release a statement from Oliver Oakes regarding his decision.
“It is a personal decision for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well as giving me the opportunity.”
Alpine F1 are in a lot of hot water since yesterday. Their performance in 2026 is not helping them either. The team has to make huge strides is order to stay remotely competitive in the midfield. Alpine’s engine manufacturers have already decided to pull out of Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer.
With the 2026 season approaching next year, the future of Alpine in Formula 1 remains unknown and unreliable.
