Oliver Oakes Resigns, Flavio Briatore Takes Over Alpine F1
The sudden resignation of Oliver Oakes has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, with many questioning the team's decision to appoint Flavio Briatore as his replacement, given his checkered past in the sport. As the team looks to the future, one thing is certain - the next few months will be pivotal in shaping the team's destiny.
Alpine Formula 1 team is facing a period of uncertainty after the sudden resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes, with Flavio Briatore taking over his duties as Executive Advisor, covering Oakes' responsibilities, just 10 months into his role.
The unexpected move has left the team in disarray, with a driver swap decision looming, expected by May 2025. Oakes' departure comes with no explanation, adding to the chaos within the team. Briatore, a 75-year-old former F1 team principal, has a significant amount of experience in the sport, but his past has been marred by controversy, including a lifetime ban from F1 in 2008 due to his involvement in the "Crashgate" scandal.
Despite being cleared of wrongdoing in a French court, Briatore's return to the team has been met with skepticism. Alpine has struggled to escape the midfield for over a decade and has undergone several staff and management changes in recent years. The team has also replaced their driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for the next five F1 races, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team's future.
As the team navigates this challenging period, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Briatore's leadership will impact the team's performance. With a driver swap decision on the horizon, the next few months will be crucial in determining the team's direction and prospects for the future.