Oliver Oakes Appointed as Alpine F1 Team Principal Amid Major Overhaul

Alpine has appointed Oliver Oakes as its new team principal to steer the team back to competitiveness in Formula 1. Formerly the founder of Hitech Grand Prix, Oakes is the second-youngest team principal in F1 history. This comes as Alpine undergoes significant restructuring, including the return of Flavio Briatore in an advisory role.

In a significant move, Alpine named 36-year-old Oliver Oakes as its new team principal on Wednesday. Oakes aims to lead the team back to competitiveness in Formula 1.

British-born Oakes, who is the second-youngest team principal in F1 history, brings with him valuable experience from founding Hitech Grand Prix, a team competing in both Formula 2 and Formula 3.

This leadership change comes as Alpine struggles, sitting third-to-last in the constructors' standings. The Renault-owned team previously announced it would part ways with former team principal Bruno Famin amid a larger restructuring effort. The team aims to meet its ambitious “100-race plan” to consistently compete for podiums by the end of 2024. However, technical staff departures and poor performance, such as at the Monaco Grand Prix where drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon collided, have posed challenges.

The latest shake-up also includes the return of Flavio Briatore, who had a storied yet controversial past with the team, to an advisory role. Oakes expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead and emphasized his confidence in the team’s talent and resources, aiming to make a significant impact for the remainder of the season and beyond.