Alpine Appoints Oliver Oakes as New Team Principal
Alpine Appoints Oliver Oakes as New Team Principal
Alpine has announced the appointment of Oliver Oakes as its new Formula 1 team principal, succeeding Bruno Famin in the role. Oakes, who previously founded and managed the Hitech Grand Prix program, will begin his new role after the F1 summer break. This change comes at a critical time for the team, which is facing significant challenges in the 2024 season.
Oliver Oakes’ Background
Oliver Oakes brings a solid background in motorsport to his new position. As a former racing driver, Oakes founded Hitech Grand Prix in 2015, establishing teams in junior categories such as Formula Two and Formula Three. His transition to Formula 1 management marks his first foray into the top level of motorsport, and his appointment makes him the youngest team principal in F1 at just 36 years old.
Leadership Change and Alpine’s Strategy
Oakes’ appointment follows Bruno Famin’s decision to step down from the role to focus on his responsibilities as Alpine’s Vice President of Motorsport, overseeing the Renault-owned brand’s broader racing interests. Famin announced his departure during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, paving the way for Oakes to take over.
Oakes will be the fourth Alpine team principal in less than four years, succeeding Cyril Abiteboul, Otmar Szafnauer, and Famin. His arrival coincides with a significant strategic shift for Alpine, which plans to end its factory engine program by 2026. This decision, confirmed by Famin at Spa, aims to switch to customer engines, addressing the performance challenges the team has faced in 2024.
Challenges and Expectations
Currently, Alpine sits in eighth place in the F1 Constructors’ Championship with only 11 points, a drop of 62 points compared to the same period last year. Drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have not finished any race higher than ninth, in contrast to the podiums they achieved last year.
The on-track difficulties have already led to a series of changes at Alpine, including the appointment of Flavio Briatore as Executive Advisor. Briatore, former F1 Managing Director at Renault and known for his controversial past, expressed enthusiasm about Oakes’ appointment, highlighting the strength and belief in the team and young talent.
Next Steps
One of Oakes’ first tasks will be to find a second driver for 2025 after the team missed out on its top target, Carlos Sainz, who chose Williams. This recruitment will be crucial in replacing Esteban Ocon, who is moving to Haas.
Oliver Oakes’ arrival at Alpine represents a new chapter for the team, marked by changes and challenges. His experience in junior categories and the support from Flavio Briatore could be pivotal in Alpine’s efforts to turn around its fortunes and improve its performance in Formula 1. With Oakes at the helm, Alpine hopes to climb the standings and achieve victories, paving the way for a promising future.
