Oliver Oakes, former head of the BWT Alpine F1 Team, has issued a statement following his departure from the position.
It's been a privilege to lead everyone at Enstone, what a team, what a place. It is a personal decision 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. Everyone is in place for 2026 and where the dream deserves to be.
On May 7, it was reported that the 37-year-old Oakes, who had been in his role since August 2024, resigned, making way for the current CEO, Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. Reports indicate that Oakes’ departure was motivated by his reluctance to publicly assume responsibility for personnel decisions made by others. Specifically, he was dissatisfied with the potential replacement of Australian driver Jack Doohan with Argentine Franco Colapinto.
After six races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Alpine, with main drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, has scored only seven points (all by Gasly) and currently sits ninth, second to last in the Constructors' Championship standings.
