In a significant reshuffle within the Alpine F1 Team, Oliver Oakes has been named the new Team Principal, following the announcement during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend that Bruno Famin would be stepping down from the role. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Alpine as they aim to rejuvenate their competitive edge in the Formula 1 arena.
A New Leader Emerges
Bruno Famin, who revealed his departure from the Team Principal position at Spa-Francorchamps, will step down at the end of August. Famin’s departure allows him to focus on Renault Group’s broader motorsport activities at their Viry-Chatillon facility. Oakes, a former racing driver and Red Bull Young Driver Programme alumnus, will take over the reins, bringing fresh leadership to the team.
Oakes’ journey in motorsport began with karting and single-seater racing in the 2000s. His transition from driver to management saw him establish Hitech Grand Prix in 2015, a team competing successfully in Formula 2 and Formula 3. This management experience positions Oakes well for his new role at Alpine.
Ambitious Vision and Strong Foundations
Upon his appointment, Oakes expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to leading Alpine back to its competitive best. “I am extremely grateful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this opportunity to lead BWT Alpine F1 Team back to competitiveness,” Oakes stated. He emphasized the team’s existing talent and resources, expressing confidence in achieving significant progress both in the current season and in the long term.
Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO, welcomed Oakes, highlighting the fresh energy and youthful perspective he brings. “It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen,” de Meo said. He underscored the strategic nature of Oakes’ appointment, aligning it with the team’s future success aspirations.
Building on Past Success
Flavio Briatore, who rejoined the team in June as Executive Advisor, also praised Oakes’ appointment. “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Oli Oakes for our Formula 1 project,” Briatore commented. He lauded Oakes’ leadership and success in racing, seeing his move as a testament to the team’s strength and commitment to nurturing young talent. Briatore expressed excitement about working closely with Oakes to propel the team up the grid and secure victories.
A New Chapter for Alpine
Oliver Oakes, at 36 years old, becomes the second youngest Team Principal in Formula 1 history. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for Alpine, a team determined to climb the ranks and achieve notable success. Reporting directly to Luca de Meo, Oakes’ leadership will be instrumental in driving the team’s strategic direction and operational efficiency.
The transition comes at a crucial juncture for Alpine, as they aim to leverage their technical capabilities and competitive spirit. The upcoming summer break will serve as a preparatory period for Oakes, who will assume his role post-break, bringing renewed vigour to the team’s ambitions.
Looking Ahead
The motorsport community will be watching closely as Oakes takes the helm. His blend of racing experience and management acumen positions him uniquely to lead Alpine through the challenges and opportunities ahead. The team’s focus remains on harnessing its potential, with Oakes’ leadership expected to be a catalyst for positive change.
Alpine’s move to appoint a young, dynamic leader reflects their commitment to innovation and forward-thinking. As the team embarks on this new journey, their efforts to regain competitiveness will be a focal point, with Oakes at the forefront of this transformative phase.
Oliver Oakes’ appointment as Alpine F1 Team Principal marks a significant milestone in the team’s pursuit of excellence. With strategic leadership and a clear vision, Alpine aims to return to the forefront of Formula 1, driven by Oakes’ passion and expertise.