Alpine`s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, has refuted claims suggesting that Oliver Oakes` decision to step down as team principal was a result of a conflict between them.
Alpine had announced on Tuesday that Oakes resigned after only 10 months in the role. Briatore, known for guiding Benetton and Renault to multiple world championships in the 1990s and 2000s, will assume his duties.
Oakes` departure was quickly followed by Alpine`s announcement on Wednesday that driver Jack Doohan would be replaced by Franco Colapinto. This timing led many to believe the two events were related.
However, Briatore issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon via his Instagram account, asserting that he maintains a good relationship with Oakes and that Oakes` resignation was for `personal` reasons.
In the statement, jointly published with the Alpine team`s official Instagram, Briatore stated: “`A lot has been said in the past 24 hours, incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views. This is completely false and far from the truth.`”
He added, “`Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.`”
“`We accept Oli`s request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation,`”, Briatore confirmed.
He reiterated, “`The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.`”
Briatore also stated his intention to increase his involvement: “`I will continue to be more and more involved with the team, together with the strong management we already have in place.`”
He concluded his remarks on team goals: “`We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026.`”
The Instagram post also included a statement from Oakes himself, supporting Briatore`s explanation.
Oakes commented: “`It`s been a privilege to lead everyone at Enstone, what a team, what a place.`”
He confirmed his reason for leaving: “`It is a personal decision to for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well as giving me the opportunity.`”
Oakes expressed confidence in the team`s future: “`Everyone is in place for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be. I believe in Enstone.`”
Oakes established Hitech Grand Prix in 2015, a British team that has performed well in junior series like Formula 2 and Formula 3. Oakes was also a racing driver, winning the karting world title in 2005.
He became Alpine`s team principal in August 2024, taking over from Otmar Szafnauer. Under his leadership, the team achieved a notable double podium finish with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in Brazil later in 2024.
Briatore is a controversial figure in F1 history, notably involved in the `Crashgate` incident where his driver Nelson Piquet deliberately crashed during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to benefit teammate Fernando Alonso.
He received a lifetime ban from F1 for this role, although a French court later overturned the ban.
The 75-year-old returned to the sport in May 2024 as Alpine`s executive advisor.
Briatore`s involvement in F1 dates back to the early 1990s, achieving championship success with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995, followed by Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.
