Alpine`s Formula 1 team has announced the unexpected departure of team principal Oliver Oakes, only six races into the current season.
Flavio Briatore, currently an executive advisor, will assume Oakes` responsibilities immediately.
Oakes, aged 37, had only taken on the role in July last year, shortly after Briatore rejoined F1 in an advisory capacity following a significant hiatus.
Briatore has a history with the team, having previously served as its boss when it competed as Renault, guiding them to championship victories in 2005 and 2006.
The timing of the announcement follows increasing speculation surrounding a potential driver change, specifically the possible replacement of Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto, an issue that has been a subject of discussion around the team since the season began.
Oakes had frequently addressed questions regarding the Colapinto driver situation during both the preseason period and the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend.
His immediate departure at this juncture is likely to prompt questions about whether his decision is linked to this ongoing driver situation.
In a statement, the team thanked Oliver for his efforts since joining last summer, acknowledging his contribution to securing sixth place in the 2024 Constructors` Championship.
The statement concluded by saying, “The team will not be providing any further comment.”
Upon his hiring last year at age 36, Oakes became the second-youngest team principal in F1 history, surpassed only by Christian Horner, who was 31 when he began at Red Bull in 2005.
During Oakes` tenure, Alpine achieved a double podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix last year.
