Alpine's Oliver Oakes resigns as team principal amid leadership turmoil

In recent developments concerning the Formula 1 team Alpine, Oliver Oakes officially resigned from his position as team principal less than a year after taking on the role. The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 7, 2025, and comes as the team finds itself in a challenging ninth place in the constructors' standings for the ongoing season. Oakes's resignation has raised questions regarding the team’s direction and management style. Reports indicated that there may be plans to replace rookie driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto, who is presumed to take the seat for the next race in Italy later this month. This situation is exacerbated by a noteworthy incident during the Miami Grand Prix over the preceding weekend, where Doohan collided with another car on the opening lap and subsequently crashed on the second lap, contributing to speculation about his future with the team. Alpine expressed gratitude towards Oakes for his contributions since joining the team in the previous summer, and stated that his efforts were integral in helping secure sixth place in the constructors' championship for the 2024 season. However, the team seems to be in a state of flux, with Flavio Briatore stepping in to cover Oakes' responsibilities as executive advisor. Briatore's established presence in the F1 landscape may provide some stability in the wake of this leadership change. Despite Oakes previously defending Jack Doohan's position amid rumors about a potential replacement, the team's performance and its decision-making regarding drivers are certainly under scrutiny. The ongoing changes in team leadership will ultimately influence Alpine's morale and strategic direction. The implications about driver relationships and management styles within the team could shape their performance heading into the upcoming races of the 2025 season. Additionally, given that Oakes faced challenges being a rookie in a high-pressure role, his departure accentuates the competitiveness and dynamic nature of F1 governance. How these internal dynamics play out will be critical for Alpine as they seek to build a successful team culture moving forward. The change in personnel at this crucial stage suggests that Alpine is actively trying to reshape their approach to regain competitiveness in the seasons ahead. Ultimately, the recent management shift could redefine how Alpine operates in pursuit of better results in the fiercely contested world of Formula 1 racing, where even slight missteps can significantly affect performance both on and off the track.