Oliver Oakes Resigns as Alpine F1 Team Principal Amid Growing Speculation Over Jack Doohan’s Future

In a surprising and unexpected turn of events, Alpine F1 has announced that team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role with immediate effect. The announcement has raised questions regarding the future of both Oakes and the team, especially amid increasing speculation surrounding Jack Doohan’s position at the French outfit.

Oakes, who took over the role as Alpine’s team principal in August 2024, was regarded as one of the youngest individuals to ever lead an F1 team, making his departure all the more shocking to the motorsport community. In his time with the team, Oakes was instrumental in guiding Alpine to a sixth-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. Under his leadership, the team experienced a notable highlight with a spectacular double podium finish for drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in the Brazilian Grand Prix, an achievement that left many optimistic about Alpine’s future prospects.

The announcement of Oakes’ resignation comes at a crucial time for the team, just ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, scheduled for May 16-18, 2025. Speculation has been rife regarding the future of 22-year-old driver Jack Doohan, whose performance this season has been under scrutiny. Despite being a promising talent, Doohan has faced significant challenges in his rookie season, including two high-profile crashes in Australia and Japan, as well as a public outburst following his early elimination in the Sprint Qualifying session in Miami. These incidents have added to the pressure surrounding his position within the team, especially with Alpine’s reserve driver, Franco Colapinto, waiting in the wings for a potential promotion.

Flavio Briatore, a controversial figure in F1 and a long-time figure in the sport, will assume Oakes’ responsibilities as team principal. Briatore, who served as the architect of Renault’s World Championship successes with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995, as well as Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006, will now oversee the Alpine team’s operations. His return to the team in May 2024 as an executive advisor has raised eyebrows, particularly due to his infamous involvement in the “Crashgate” scandal of 2008, which led to his lifetime ban from the sport (later overturned by a French court).

Although Briatore’s involvement with Alpine was initially viewed as a behind-the-scenes role, his new position in a leadership capacity has led many to wonder about the influence he might have on the team’s strategy going forward. In light of recent events, it seems likely that Briatore’s influence may have played a significant part in Oakes’ resignation, particularly with regard to driver decisions.

Briatore’s fondness for Colapinto, who has been described by the Italian as one of the best young talents in motorsport, is well-documented. The Argentine driver, who is currently Alpine’s reserve driver, has often been touted as a potential future star in F1. His inclusion in the team’s plans for the future, combined with Oakes’ backing of Doohan, may have led to a conflict between the two men, culminating in Oakes’ shock departure.

Doohan’s struggles this season, combined with the growing support for Colapinto, likely contributed to the tensions within the team. The Australian driver entered the 2025 season under intense pressure, especially after the announcement of Colapinto’s signing. The mounting pressure seemed to have reached a boiling point in Miami, where Doohan’s frustration was laid bare after his early exit from Sprint Qualifying. Such public displays of discontent often raise concerns about a driver’s mental state and their ability to perform under pressure, leading to questions about whether Doohan’s time at Alpine may be coming to an end sooner than expected.

The timing of Oakes’ resignation, coming just ahead of one of the most important races of the season, suggests that the team may be preparing for a major shift in strategy. Alpine’s decision to elevate Briatore to a more hands-on role indicates that they are looking to make decisive changes, particularly regarding the driver lineup. The possibility of Colapinto replacing Doohan has sent shockwaves through the paddock, leaving many to question whether the young Australian’s future in Formula 1 is secure.

While Alpine’s official statement on Oakes’ resignation thanked him for his efforts and contributions to the team, it also made clear that no further comments would be made on the matter. The silence surrounding the real reasons behind Oakes’ departure only adds to the air of mystery surrounding the situation, leaving fans, pundits, and drivers alike speculating about the team’s next move.

In conclusion, Oliver Oakes’ resignation as Alpine F1 team principal marks the end of an era for the team. His brief tenure, marked by moments of promise and success, has now been overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding driver choices and internal team dynamics. As Flavio Briatore takes the reins once again, all eyes will be on Alpine to see how the team navigates these turbulent waters and whether a change in leadership can help them capitalize on their potential or further derail their aspirations for the future.

For Jack Doohan, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether his F1 career with Alpine is able to withstand the mounting pressure or if a change in driver lineup is imminent. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could prove to be a pivotal moment in both the team’s and Doohan’s future in the sport.