Flavio Briatore returns to full control of Alpine F1 amid leadership doubts, age concerns, and Oliver Oakes’ sudden and controversial exit.
The sudden resignation of Oliver Oakes has sent shockwaves through the Alpine F1 camp, throwing the team back into the media spotlight.
With Flavio Briatore now the undisputed figure at the helm, Alpine is once again navigating stormy waters, and the Italian businessman is doing everything he can to steady the ship.
The world of Formula 1 is no stranger to seismic shifts, but even by its standards, the events unfolding at Alpine are raising eyebrows.
Following the abrupt departure of team principal Oliver Oakes, Flavio Briatore has stepped back into center stage, assuming a leadership role that confirms the ongoing volatility at Enstone.
Remarkably, Briatore becomes the seventh team boss to lead the team in as many years.
But the transition has been far from smooth. Simultaneously, Alpine announced that rising talent Franco Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan for five Grands Prix this season, a decision that appears to have caught Oakes off guard.
Multiple insiders suggest that Oakes wasn’t consulted, prompting speculation that the decision triggered his exit.
Briatore Denies Rift with Oakes
In a rare and pointed statement, Flavio Briatore moved swiftly to quash the rumors of internal conflict. Addressing the media directly, the 75-year-old veteran sought to defuse tensions and defend his predecessor.
“There have been many incorrect interpretations surrounding Oli’s departure,” Briatore stated. “Contrary to speculation, there was no conflict, no significant disagreement between us. We share mutual respect and a common long-term vision for this team’s future.”
According to Briatore, Oakes’ resignation stemmed from personal reasons rather than professional friction. Still, the Italian made clear he intends to take a more active role in guiding Alpine forward, particularly with an eye on the 2026 regulation overhaul, a critical milestone for the team’s rebuilding efforts.
Instagram Optics Tell Their Own Story
Briatore underscored his version of events by sharing Oakes’ farewell message on Instagram, but the presentation was telling. While Oakes’ statement was heartfelt and gracious, its visual contrast with Briatore’s own image-centric post suggested a clear pecking order: a muted blue background for Oakes, versus a commanding portrait of Briatore himself.
In the message, Oakes struck a conciliatory tone. “It’s been an incredible privilege to lead the team at Enstone. My decision to step down is entirely personal. Flavio has been like a father figure to me, offering unwavering support and this unique opportunity.”
Looking Ahead to 2026, and a New Chapter
Despite his departure, Oakes closed with optimism, expressing full confidence in Alpine’s trajectory: “Everything is in place for 2026 to be a breakthrough year. I believe in this project. I believe in Enstone.”
Now with Briatore steering the team, the key question remains: can he bring lasting stability to a structure that has been anything but consistent?
Is Briatore Too Old to Lead Alpine Full-Time?
Not everyone in the paddock is convinced that Briatore is the right man for a full-time return. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher was among those questioning the decision, pointing not only to Briatore’s age, now 75, but also his recent health concerns following heart surgery last year.
“Briatore has been an effective advisor thanks to his experience,” Schumacher noted. “But he’s simply too old to be involved in the day-to-day running of a Formula 1 team.”
Schumacher also weighed in on the controversial driver switch, suggesting the move from Doohan to Colapinto may have been a point of contention between Briatore and Oakes. “Flavio believes in Colapinto, and let’s be honest, he also brings substantial financial backing,” Schumacher said.
As for Doohan, now relegated to a reserve role, Schumacher was blunt: “He’s a really nice guy, but he’s just not good enough for F1.”
Still, it’s Briatore’s grip on power that raises the most concern. “From what I hear, Flavio is already doing everything himself. That’s likely why Oakes walked away. I just hope this doesn’t become a one-man show.”
With Alpine once again at a crossroads, Briatore’s return is either a masterstroke of experience, or a gamble that could deepen the team’s instability. Only time will tell.
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