Oliver Oakes has resigned from his position as F1 group principal in a shock transfer.
Oakes has been within the position for lower than a yr, taking up from Bruno Famin.
The previous Hitech GP boss performed a key position in Alpine’s resurgence on the finish of final yr as they recovered to sixth within the constructors’ championship.
His resignation comes as an entire shock.
Alpine are anticipated to make a driver change forward of the subsequent spherical at Imola.
Jack Doohan is about to make method for Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto has been a part of the Alpine driver pool because the begin of the yr and is a favorite of Flavio Briatore.
Briatore is Alpine’s govt advisor and has labored alongside Oakes.
Oakes has publicly backed Doohan over latest weeks, but it surely seems just like the Australian is about to lose his seat.
The explanations behind Oakes’ sudden departure are nonetheless unclear however one principle put ahead is that there may have been a disagreement over whether or not Doohan is changed after simply six races in 2025.
Briatore will cowl Oakes’ duties following his exit forward of Imola subsequent weekend.
The group launched the next assertion on Tuesday night: “BWT Alpine System One Group proclaims that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his position as Group Principal.
“The group has accepted his resignation with instant impact.
“As of right this moment, Flavio Briatore will proceed as Govt Advisor and also will be protecting the duties beforehand carried out by Oliver Oakes.
“The group want to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined final summer time and for his contribution in serving to the group safe sixth place within the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.
“The group won’t be making any additional remark.”
