Following speculation over the Belgian Grand Prix weekend that it could happen, Pit Debrief has learned that Oliver Oakes will become Alpine F1’s new team principal. Sources have indicated that it was officially announced to staff earlier on Tuesday. An announcement to the wider world is expected this week.
At Spa last Friday, current team boss Bruno Famin confirmed he will be steeping aside after a year in the role, initially as a caretaker, before getting announced as the permanent one in February. He will remain as VP of Motorsports for the company.
Oakes joining the team should not come as a huge surprise. Last year with Hitech GP, the team he founded and runs as director and team principal, submitted an application to the FIA as the governing body weighed up whether an 11th team should join the grid. Unfortunately for them, this was rejected.
The Brit has vast experience. As a driver, he was World Karting Champion in 2005. The 36-year-old was also part of the Red Bull junior squad. He went on to compete in GP3 in 2010, but Oakes failed to score any points.
In 2015, he became CEO of Hitech GP, with the team now regularly competing at the front in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships.
George Russell, Alex Palou, Jack Doohan, Rinus VeeKay, Liam Lawson, Jüri Vips, Luke Browning and Alex Dunne are some of the big names who have driven for them in the lower categories.
Browning is currently 3rd in the 2024 F3 championship, 6 points off championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli heading into the final round at Monza. Paul Aron also runs P3 in Formula 2, but the Estonian’s title hopes took a massive hit on Sunday when he retired on the final lap from P3 as unreliability continues to plague the cars in the series.
With Oakes having previously worked with Doohan, the Brit will have good knowledge on whether he is worthy of partnering Pierre Gasly next year. That is set to be one of his first big calls as Alpine team principal.
It looks a near certainty that they will be using Mercedes engines come 2026, with an official announcement to be delivered at some stage.
Alpine is currently 8th in the Constructors’ Championship. They have amassed just 11 points in a difficult campaign so far.
Update: On Wednesday morning, it was officially announced by Alpine.
Luca de Meo: “It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen. This team is being built for future success and this is highlighted by Oli’s appointment in a senior role. We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realising that mindset across the entire team.”
Flavio Briatore: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Oli Oakes for our Formula 1 project. Oli is highly talented with a great record of leadership and success in racing. His move into this role is a great example of the strength and belief we have in our team and by young, upcoming people, and I’m excited to work closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.”
Oliver Oakes: “I am extremely grateful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this opportunity to lead BWT Alpine F1 Team back to competitiveness. The team has talented people and excellent resources at its core, and I am confident that we can accomplish a great deal together during the remainder of this season and the longer term. I look forward to getting started after the summer break.”
