Alpine head clears air around the resignation of Oliver Oakes team

Flavio Briatore, director of the Alpine team, has stated that the resignation of Oliver Oakes was a personal decision. Turn off speculation after leadership change, the Italian suggested that the movement was not the result of any internal discordance within the team or its management.

Alpine announced the departure of Oakes, followed by a change of driver in a period of 12 hours, causing speculation of inconvenience within the organization. After Miami GP, reports appeared that Jack Doohan would be replaced by Franco FrankntotoAnd the resignation of Oakes shortly afterwards pushed the rumors that the two decisions were linked.

However, Alpine and Briatore have clarified that the The controller switch was part of a rotation strategydirected to evaluate your talent pool before the 2026 season. It has been confirmed that COLAPINTO will compete in the next five Grand Prix. Briatore, who previously led the team under his Renault costume, addressed the situation with a follow -up statement that clarifies the reasoning of Oakes's departure.

Briatore issued a statement on social media on Oakes's resignation in Alpine, said:

“Much has been said in the last 24 hours incorrectly associating the oil decision by renouncing an alleged disagreement or that we shared different opinions. This is completely false and far from the truth. I and oil have a very good relationship and we had long-term ambitions to promote this team together.”

Added:

“We respect the decision of oil to give up and, therefore, accept its resignation. Decisions are not related to the team and are personal. I will continue to be increasingly involved with the team, along with the strong management we already have.

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Oliver Oakes also cites his alpine resignation as a personal decision

Oliver Oakes, who has abandoned his role as director of the Alpine team, issued a statement confirming that the decision was personal. He expressed his support for Flavio Briatore, who will take on the role for the rest of the season.

Oakes described the Italian veteran as a paternal figure on the team and credited him for his consistent promotion and support. Adding his reasons behind the resignation, he said:

“It has been a privilege to direct everyone to Entone, what a team, what a place. It is a personal decision for me. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing more than supportive since I took this role, as well as giving me the opportunity. Everyone is running for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be.”

The departure of Oakes brand Flavio Briatore as the fourth team of the team to lead Alpine since 2023. Since July of that year, the team has been headed by Otmar Szafnauer, Laurent Rossi, Bruno Famin and, more recently, Oliver Oakes.

The French dress has undergone significant structural changes during this period, including a complete renewal of its management and a change in its power unit strategy. They have abandoned their internal engine program for 2026 and will be fed by Mercedes Since that season onwards.