Alpine F1 eyes Christian Horner and Steve Nielsen as team principal contenders, as Flavio Briatore seeks stability after Oakes’ exit.
Two names have surfaced amid speculation regarding a full-time replacement for Oliver Oakes at Alpine F1.
Oakes abruptly resigned just over a month ago for undisclosed personal reasons, with executive advisor Flavio Briatore stepping in as the team’s unofficial boss.
However, 75-year-old Briatore admits he has no intention of keeping the position. In fact, he isn’t even a direct employee of Alpine or Renault and, therefore, is not the team’s “official representative” at Grands Prix.
“We’re looking into it,” the Italian said when asked if Oakes would be replaced.
“I’m sorry for Ollie, honestly, because I had a very good relationship with him. He was a good team principal. We’re searching. We don’t want to make a mistake. I’m prepared to take my time. But as soon as we decide who the new team principal will be, we’ll let you know.”
It’s fascinating to note that Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, previously approached by Ferrari, has been mentioned as a candidate.
Horner was sitting next to Briatore when the former Renault boss was asked what qualities he was looking for in Alpine’s next team principal, and the Brit quipped, “Not expensive.”
“Not expensive, no,” Briatore smiled. “We’re looking for someone—there are many people who could do this kind of job. I know a few individuals interested in joining this new adventure with Alpine. We’ll decide quickly.”
Would Horner be willing to leave Red Bull? Only if he were forced to, whispers suggest from those close to Max Verstappen.
Another name linked to the role is Steve Nielsen (pictured below), who knows Briatore well from their successful days at Renault F1. The two were seen deep in conversation during the Spanish Grand Prix.